Introduction to Remote Sensing

What is Remote Sensing? Remote sensing is the art and science of acquiring information about the Earth's surface without actually being in contact with it.

Remote Sensing? ...Under our definition, neither of these are remote sensing

How does Remote Sensing work? Remote Sensing consists of: 1.) sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy, and: 2.) processing, analyzing, and applying that information.

Is remote sensing a science or a technology, or both? Remote Sensing is a technology that is used in many scientific disciplines Adequate understanding of remote sensing technology requires science background and disciplinary knowledge

Remote Sensing Instruments Are really just electromagnetic radiation detectors/recorders Light -- Cameras and Scanners Heat - Thermal scanners Radio Waves -- radar

Modes of RS Instruments Active Passive Sensor records reflected ambient EMR, or emitted EMR Sensor emits and detects EMR

Perceptions of Remote Sensing Things That Come to Mind...

Elements of Remote Sensing System (Passive) Sun Sensor Atmosphere Analysis/ Application Interaction of EMR w/ target Data Retrieval, Storage, Distribution Target

Applications of Remote Sensing Identification of Earth Surface Cover (What’s Down There?) Biophysical Characterization of Earth Cover (What is the Nature of What’s Down There?)

Applications of Remote Sensing? visualization of changing patterns quantifying statistical trends identifying spatially and temporally significant anomalies modeling temporal patterns

Banda Aceh, Sumatra 23 Jun, 2004

Banda Aceh, Sumatra 28 Dec, 2004

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing

On May 3, 2003, a group of intense supercell thunderstorms spawned multiple tornados that swept across Oklahoma and nearby states. One of the tornados touched down in the town of Moore, just south of Oklahoma City. The path of the tornado is visible in this high-resolution satellite image, acquired by the IKONOS satellite on May 10, 2003. In the center of the tornado’s swath homes were totally destroyed. The satellite’s 1-meter maximum resolution reveals the extent of the destruction. NASA Earth Observatory

History of Remote Sensing

Early History -- Kites

Early History -- Balloons “Nadar”

Early History -- Balloons Civil War Union ground crew Preparing observation Balloon for launch Artist’s view of balloon in use -- Battle of Fair Oaks, June, 1862

Birds? Member of the Bavarian Pigeon Corps outfitted with aerial camera

Other Platforms

Aerial Photography Wright Bros Wright Flyer

Aerial Photography Military Application -- WWI Camera Royal Canadian Air Force Photography Crew World War I Trench Systems in France

Aerial Photography Military Application -- WWII K- 3B Aerial Camera Kwaeh Yu River Nighttime Aerial Photo Rochester, NY

Aerial Photography Camouflage Detection (Infrared) Film Conventional film no camouflage Conventional film with camouflage Infrared film with camouflage

Remote Sensing from Space Astronaut Photography Project Gemini first real science from space Project Mercury

Remote Sensing from Space Project Apollo -- Multispectral Photography Green Red False Color Near Infrared

Satellite Photography (1960s - 70s) Corona Recon System Aral Sea

Satellite Imaging (1970s - Present) Landsat (ERTS) 1 Thematic Mapper