Concept of Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing is defined as the science and technology by which the

characteristics of objects of interest can be identified, measured or
analyzed the characteristics without direct contact.
Electro-magnetic radiation which is reflected or emitted from an object is
the usual source of remote sensing data. However any media such as
gravity or magnetic fields can be utilized in remote sensing.
A device to detect the electro-magnetic radiation reflected or emitted from
an object is called a "remote sensor" or "sensor". Cameras or scanners are
examples of remote sensors.
A vehicle to carry the sensor is called a "platform". Aircraft or satellites are
used as platforms.
The technical term "remote sensing" was first used in the United States in
the 1960's, and encompassed photogrammetry, photo-interpretation, photo
-geology etc. Since Landsat-1, the first earth observation satellite was
launched in 1972, remote sensing has become widely used.
The characteristics of an object can be determined, using reflected or
emitted electro-magnetic radiation, from the object. That is, "each object
has a unique and different characteristics of reflection or emission if the
type of deject or the environmental condition is different."Remote sensing is
a technology to identify and understand the object or the environmental
condition through the uniqueness of the reflection or emission.
Physical basic of remote sensing
The amount of radiation that an object reflects is the physical
basis of remote sensing. Special sensors collect information
about the reflected energy, and processing facilities turn it into
a format that anyone can use.
Earth Resource Satellites:
Earth resource satellites are satellite systems designed
specifically for the purpose of collecting data and images of the
Earth's surface and its resources. These satellites are equipped
with sensors and instruments that capture information in
various spectral bands, allowing for the monitoring and analysis
of natural resources, land cover, and environmental changes.
Here are a few examples of Earth resource satellites:
 Landsat
 Sentinel-2
 MODIS
 SPOT
 IRS
Sensors:
There are various types of sensors used in remote sensing to
capture data and measure different properties of the Earth's
surface and atmosphere. Here are some common types of
sensors used in remote sensing:
 Optical Sensors: Optical sensors capture electromagnetic
radiation in the visible, near-infrared, and infrared regions
of the electromagnetic spectrum. They are used to
measure reflected sunlight from the Earth's surface and
provide information about land cover, vegetation health,
and water quality. Examples include multispectral sensors
like those found on Landsat and Sentinel satellites.
 Thermal Sensors: Thermal sensors measure the emitted
thermal radiation from objects and surfaces. They capture
data in the long-wave infrared region and are used to
analyze temperature variations, detect heat sources, and
study energy balance. These sensors are valuable in
applications such as monitoring urban heat islands,
analyzing volcanoes, and assessing fire behavior.
 Radar Sensors
 Hyperspectral
 Sensors
Types of Resolutions
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), resolutions refer to the
level of detail and accuracy of spatial data. Here are some
commonly used types of resolutions in GIS:
 Spatial Resolution: Spatial resolution refers to the size of
the smallest discernible or distinguishable features in a
dataset. It is typically expressed in terms of the pixel size or
cell size of a raster dataset.
 Temporal Resolution: Temporal resolution refers to the
frequency at which data is collected or updated over time.
It represents the time interval between successive
measurements or observations.
 Spectral Resolution: Spectral resolution refers to the
number and width of the bands or channels available in a
remotely sensed image.
 Radiometric Resolution: Radiometric resolution refers to
the level of detail and accuracy with which variations in
brightness or intensity can be represented in a raster
dataset
 Scale Resolution: Scale resolution refers to the level of
detail or generalization applied to a map or dataset. It
represents the relationship between the size of features on
the map and their corresponding size in the real world.

Geo Referencing
Georeferencing in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is the
process of aligning spatial data, such as maps, satellite images,
or aerial photographs, with real-world coordinates, allowing
them to be accurately located and overlaid with other
geographic data. It involves assigning spatial reference
information to the data, so it can be placed in the correct
geographic context.

Image processing techniques

Image processing techniques and classification are integral
parts of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) that enable the
analysis and interpretation of remotely sensed imagery for
various applications. Here are some commonly used image
processing techniques and classification methods in GIS:
 Data Fusion
 Feature Extraction
 Image Enhancement
 Image Geometric Correction

Image Classification
Image classification involves categorizing pixels or image
objects into different classes based on their spectral
characteristics.
 Supervised Classification
 Unsupervised Classification
 Object-Based Classification

Navigational Satellites
Navigational satellites play a significant role in GIS (Geographic
Information Systems) by providing accurate positioning and
navigation data. These satellite systems enable the collection of
precise location information, which is essential for various GIS
applications.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
The GPS is a constellation of satellites owned and operated by
the United States government. It consists of a network of
satellites in medium Earth orbit that transmit signals to GPS
receivers on the ground. These receivers calculate the user's
position, velocity, and time using the signals from multiple
satellites. GPS is widely used in GIS for mapping, surveying,
asset management, tracking, and navigation purposes.
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
GNSS is a generic term that encompasses multiple satellite
systems developed by different countries or organizations.
Besides GPS, other notable GNSS systems include:
 Galileo
 BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS)
 NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)

Positioning system
Positioning system is a system for
determining the position of an object in
space. One of the most well-known and
commonly used positioning systems is the
Global Positioning System (GPS).
What are the fundamental and elements of
GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S.
-owned utility that provides users with
positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT)
services.
Differential GPS
A Differential Global Positioning System
(DGPS) is an enhancement to the Global
Positioning System (GPS) which provides
improved location accuracy, in the range of
operations of each system, fromthe 15-
meter nominal GPS accuracy to about
1–3 cm in case of the best implementations
of DGPS.