Remote sensing
Remote Sensing
Remote sensing (pronunciation: /rɪˈmoʊt ˈsɛnsɪŋ/) is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically from aircraft or satellites.
Etymology
The term "remote sensing" was first used in the United States in the 1950s by Ms. Evelyn Pruitt of the U.S. Office of Naval Research.
Definition
Remote sensing is the process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance (typically from satellite or aircraft). Special cameras collect remotely sensed images, which help researchers "sense" things about the Earth.
Types of Remote Sensing
There are two main types of remote sensing: passive and active. Passive sensors detect natural radiation that is emitted or reflected by the object or surrounding areas. Active sensors, on the other hand, emit energy in order to scan objects and areas whereupon a sensor then detects and measures the radiation that is reflected off the target.
Passive Remote Sensing
Passive remote sensing involves the detection of radiation emitted or reflected by the object or surrounding areas. It can be used to study the Earth's atmosphere, as well as the surfaces of other planets.
Active Remote Sensing
Active remote sensing devices emit radiation and then measure the amount that is reflected back. This type of remote sensing is often used in radar and sonar systems, which can penetrate cloud cover, forest canopies, and the ground to produce images at any time of day or night.
Related Terms
- Geographic Information System (GIS): A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.
- Satellite Imagery: Images of Earth or other planets collected by imaging satellites.
- Radar: A detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects.
- Sonar: A technique that uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water.
- Spectroscopy: The study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Remote sensing
- Wikipedia's article - Remote sensing
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