Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing
An Introduction

Prof. David Bernstein
James Madison University

Computer Science Department

bernstdh@jmu.edu

Introduction

Remote Sensing Defined:
- The science of acquiring information about a planet's surface using a device that is not in contact with that planet
An Example:

The Participants and the Process

Energy Source:
- Illuminates or provides electromagnetic energy
Radiation and the Atmosphere:
- As the energy travels from its source to the planet it passes through the atmosphere
Interaction with the Planet:
- Depends on the properties of both the "target" and the radiation
Sensor:
- After the energy has been scattered by, or emitted from, the target, it is collected and recorded by a sensor

Energy Sources

Passive Systems:
- Detect the naturally occurring energy (usually from the sun)
Active Systems:
- Provide their own energy source (e.g., laser fluorosensors and a synthetic aperture radars)

Collection and Recording

Photographic:
- Involves chemical reactions on the surface of light-sensitive film
Electronic:
- Involves electrical/physical processes

Sensor Platforms

Resolution

Sources/Causes of Distortion and Error

Uses of Remote Sensing

Photogrammetry:
- Obtaining measurements or information
Planimetry:
- Identifying and locating natural and man-made features
Stereogrammetry:
- Extracting elevation information from stereo overlapping images
Interferometry:
- Gathering elevation data using successive passes of synthetic aperture radars
Base and Thematic Maps