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RS Module 2

Remote sensing is the science of acquiring information about objects or areas from a distance using electromagnetic radiation. Key components include energy sources, sensors, and data processing, with applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. The document also discusses the history, principles, and various technologies like LIDAR, RADAR, and hyperspectral imaging used in remote sensing.

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Samuel Sam John
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3 views

RS Module 2

Remote sensing is the science of acquiring information about objects or areas from a distance using electromagnetic radiation. Key components include energy sources, sensors, and data processing, with applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. The document also discusses the history, principles, and various technologies like LIDAR, RADAR, and hyperspectral imaging used in remote sensing.

Uploaded by

Samuel Sam John
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 2

Remote Sensing: Introduction


Definition:
Remote sensing is the science and art of
acquiring information about objects, areas, or
phenomena from a distance without making
physical contact. It primarily involves capturing
data through electromagnetic radiation (EMR),
which is reflected or emitted from objects.
Key Components of Remote Sensing:

• Energy Source: Usually the Sun, providing electromagnetic


energy.
• Transmission of Energy: Interaction with the atmosphere.
• Interaction with the Earth’s Surface: Reflection, absorption, or
scattering of EMR by objects on Earth.
• Sensors: Devices on satellites or aircraft that capture reflected
or emitted radiation.
• Data Processing: Conversion of raw data into useful information
through analysis.
• Application: Use of processed data in fields such as
environmental monitoring, resource management, and urban
planning.
History of Remote Sensing

• Early Periods:
– Aerial Photography (19th Century): Balloons, kites, and pigeons carried cameras
to capture Earth's surface.
– World Wars: Aircraft-based inspection was extensively used for military mapping.

• Advancements in the 20th Century:


– 1950s and 1960s: Development of multispectral sensors and the first artificial
satellites, such as Sputnik (USSR, 1957).
– 1972: Launch of Landsat-1 by NASA marked a milestone for Earth resource
monitoring.

• Modern Era:
– Advanced sensors like LIDAR, RADAR, and hyperspectral imaging were developed.
– Integration with GIS: Remote sensing data became a key component of geographic
information systems (GIS), enabling sophisticated spatial analysis.
Comparison of LIDAR, RADAR, and Hyperspectral Imaging
LIDAR (Light RADAR (Radio
Hyperspectral
Feature Detection and Detection and
Imaging
Ranging) Ranging)
Laser (infrared,
Wavelength Microwave Visible to SWIR
visible)
3D point clouds(a
collection of points
in three-
dimensional space), Distance, surface Spectral signature
Key Output
DEMs (Digital roughness maps
Elevation Model,
eg: JPEG, PNG, and
GIF)
Limited by
reflectance
Soil, clouds, (proportion of
Penetration Vegetation (partial)
vegetation incident radiation
(light) that a surface
reflects)
Comparison of LIDAR, RADAR, and Hyperspectral Imaging
LIDAR (Light RADAR (Radio
Hyperspectral
Feature Detection and Detection and
Imaging
Ranging) Ranging)

Weather Clear conditions Weather- Weather-


Dependency needed independent dependent
Elevation and Geology and Material
Typical Use
forestry hydrology identification
Scope of Remote Sensing

• Remote sensing is a multidisciplinary tool with applications across several fields:


• Environmental Monitoring:
– Deforestation and afforestation studies.
– Monitoring of air and water pollution.
• Agriculture:
– Crop health assessment .
– Soil moisture and irrigation planning.
• Urban Planning:
– Land-use and land-cover mapping.
– Urban sprawl analysis.
• Disaster Management:
– Monitoring and predicting natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts.
– Damage assessment after disasters.
• Climate Studies:
– Monitoring global climate changes, such as glacier retreat and sea-level rise.
• Resource Exploration:
– Locating minerals, fossil fuels, and groundwater.
– Mapping forest and fisheries resources.
Principles and Concepts of Remote Sensing

• Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR):


– Remote sensing is based on detecting EMR, either emitted (thermal and microwave sensing) or reflected (visible
and near-infrared).
– EMR interacts with the Earth's surface, leading to reflection, absorption, and transmission.
• Spectral Signatures:
– Different materials have unique reflectance patterns (spectral signatures) across various wavelengths, enabling
their identification.
– For example, vegetation reflects strongly in the near-infrared range.
• Resolution in Remote Sensing:
– Spatial Resolution: Pixel size on the ground (e.g., 10 m resolution means each pixel represents a 10 m × 10 m area).
– Spectral Resolution: Number of spectral bands captured by the sensor.
– Temporal Resolution: Frequency of data collection for the same location.
– Radiometric Resolution: Sensitivity of the sensor to detect differences in energy levels.
• Sensor Platforms:
– Space borne Platforms: Satellites like Landsat, Sentinel, and MODIS.
– Airborne Platforms: Drones and aircraft equipped with cameras and sensors.
• Data Interpretation:
– Remote sensing data can be analyzed visually or through digital processing using software like ERDAS Imagine and
ENVI.
– Techniques include classification (supervised and unsupervised), change detection, and feature extraction.

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