Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is a tool or technique similar to

Mathematics. Using sensors to measure the
amount of electromagnetic radiation (EMR)
exiting an object or geographic area from a
distance and then extracting valuable
information from the data using mathematically
and statistically based algorithms is a scientific
activity. It functions in harmony with other
spatial data-collection techniques or tools of the
mapping sciences, including cartography and
geographic information system.
Satellite Remote Sensing
Satellite remote sensing involves
gathering information about features
on the Earth's surface from orbiting
satellites.
One of the fundamental problems
faced by oceanographers is the sheer
size of the oceans. Oceans cover 70
per cent of the Earth's surface.
Remote sensing allows measurements
to be made of vast areas of ocean
repeated at intervals in time.
Why do we collect Remotely Sensed
Data for Earth Observations?
Regular revisit capabilities


road regional coverage



Good spectral resolution



Good spatial resolution



bility to manipulate/enhance


digital data
bility to combine satellite with


other digital data

Cost effective data


ap-accurate data

 Satellite Remote Sensing
• Satellite sensors detect electromagnetic energy and
thus, acquire data on the way various earth features
emit and reflect electromagnetic energy. Energy
radiates in accordance with basic wave theory:
electromagnetic energy travels in harmonic, sinusoidal
manner at the speed of light, (c). The distance from one
wave peak to the next is the wavelength () and the
number of peaks passing a fixed point in space per unit
time is the wave frequency (). Waves obey the general
equation c= . Since the speed of light is essentially
constant, frequency and wavelength are inversely
related.
Radiative Partitioning
The atmosphere affects electromagnetic energy through
absorption, scattering and reflection. How these processes
affect radiation seen by the satellite depends on the path
length, the presence of particulates and absorbing gases,
and wavelengths involved.
Two Generic Types of Sensors Available

A "passive" system generally consists of an array of small sensors or
detectors which record the amount of electro-magnetic radiation reflected
and/or emitted from the Earth's surface. Eg, Advanced Very High
Resolution Radiometer(AVHRR),SeaWiFS

An "active" system propagates its own electro-magnetic radiation and
measures the intensity of the return signal. Eg, Seawinds scatterometer,
Poseidon Altimeter

The digital data acquired by the satellites is transmitted to ground stations
and can be used to reconstitute an image of the Earth's surface not too
dissimilar to an aerial photograph.
Image taken from the satellite