PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES OF REMOTE SENSING

 Visible light is a complex phenomenon that is

classically explained with a simple model based
on propagating rays and wave fronts, a concept
first proposed in the late 1600s by Dutch
physicist Christiaan Huygens.
 Visible light
represents only a
small portion of
the entire
spectrum of
electromagnetic
radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation include radio waves and
microwaves, as well as infrared, ultraviolet, gamma,
and x-rays.
• The term electromagnetic
radiation, coined by Sir
James Clerk Maxwell, is
derived from the
characteristic electric and
magnetic properties common
to all forms of this wave-like
energy, as manifested by the
generation of both electrical
and magnetic oscillating
fields as the waves propagate
through space.
The two oscillating energy fields are mutually
perpendicular and vibrate in phase following the
mathematical form of a sine wave. Electric and
magnetic field vectors are not only
perpendicular to each other, but are also
perpendicular to the direction of wave
propagation
 Electromagnetic (EM) radiation is a form of
energy propagated through free space or
through a material medium in the form of
electromagnetic waves.

 Travels through space at the speed of light

(2.998 × 10^8 m/s).
 Energy can transfer from one
place to another through particle
or wave.
 Electromagnetic radiation has the
dual nature: its exhibits wave
properties and particulate
(photon) properties.

• Photon is the
smallest unit of
light.
Wave nature of radiation:
 EM radiation travels in a form waves
and a wave is associated with 3
characteristic properties: Frequency,
Wavelength and Wavenumber.
 Frequency is defined as the number of
waves (cycles) per second that pass a
given point in space (symbolized by ν
~ ). Unit is Hertz.
 Wavelength is the distance between two
consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave
(symbolized by the λ).
 Wavenumber is defined as a count of the
number of wave crests (or troughs) in a
given unit of length (symbolized by ν):
 The longer wavelength the lower the
frequency and the shorter wavelength means
higher the frequency.
Particulate nature of radiation:
 Particulate radiation is
primarily produced by
disintegration of an
unstable atom and
includes Alpha and
Beta particles.
 which involves tiny
fast-moving particles
that have both energy
and mass.
 Electromagnetic wave can be
classified arrange based on
frequencies; this classification is
called ELECTROMAGNETIC
SPECTRUM.
 EM spectrum is divided into different
bands or regions with different name,
starting from super low frequencies
to super high frequencies.
 The common property of Electromagnetic
wave they can all be reflected, refracted and
diffracted.
 Reflection – when a wave strikes an object
and bounces off
 Refraction – bending of wave when passing
from one medium to another
 Diffraction – bending of wave as it moves
through an obstacle or an opening.