Introduction to Remote Sensing EAS Spring 2009 Dr. Marco Tedesco mtedesco@sci.ccny.cuny.edu Dept. Earth and Atmosp. Sciences

Prerequisites Some knowledge of trigonometry and algebra Some basic physics Enthusiasm and curiosity -

By the end of the course you will know: the basic physics and principles of remote sensing the differences and similaraties of various sensors in orbit Basic knowledge of data analysis Assess the synergies and limitations of remote sensing for environmental analysis and other applications -

Course Logistics Lecture (O44): Friday 10.00:12.30 Syllabus, schedule, lecture notes, labs, links, review sheets will be posted on the web -

Office Hours After the lesson or by appointment Ph: 2126507027 Best way : still email ! mtedesco@sci.ccny.cuny.edu -

First Essay due on February 20, 2009 (before class) Midterm (March 27) Project Assignment (April 10) Projects discussion (April 24) Project presentation (May 15) Final - TBA -

How satellites and sensors work Types of sensors: Optical Thermal Topics we will cover: Physical principles How satellites and sensors work Types of sensors: Optical Thermal Passive microwave Active microwave Lidar and altimetry Applications: Vegetation mapping and assessment Land cover/land use change Water (oceans, lakes, rivers, snow/ice) Soils, minerals, and geomorphology Urban and societal applications Polar regions and climate change -

What is remote sensing? “the acquisition and measurement of data/information on some property(ies) of a phenomenon, object, or material by a recording device not in physical, intimate contact with the feature(s) under surveillance; techniques involve amassing knowledge pertinent to environments by measuring force fields, electromagnetic radiation, or acoustic energy employing cameras, radiometers and scanners, lasers, radio frequency receivers, radar systems, sonar, thermal devices, seismographs, magnetometers, gravimeters, scintillometers, and other instruments”. Source: NASA tutorial on remote sensing http://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/Intro/nicktutor_I-1.html -

Shorter definition Remote sensing is the collection of information about an object or system without coming into direct physical contact with it Art or science??? -

Why do we do remote sensing? Unobtrusive Automated Useful for extreme conditions Offers excellent spatial and temporal coverage Provides real time or near-real time observations Often cost-effective Extends our senses -

How are measurements made? Ground-based Airborne Satellite -

Remote Sensing Systems Active Sensor - illuminates the subject from an artificial energy source Passive Sensor - uses natural radiation from the Sun or Earth Imaging Sensor - creates a “picture” by scanning across a linear array of detectors while the array moves through space Non-imaging Sensor - measures along a transect or at a point; or uses a non-photonic approach -

REMOTE SENSING DATA TYPES Visible, infrared, thermal, and microwave are most common -

The Remote Sensing Cycle Development Sensor Assessment Data Information Processing Data Analysis Interpretation -

The Remote Sensing Cycle Development Sensor Assessment Data Information Processing Data Analysis Interpretation -

Some examples… -

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Mapping Flooding in New Orleans Lidar-derived water depths superimposed over a high resolution SPOT image -

Breakup of the Larsen B Ice Shelf MODIS imagery from January 31, 2002- March 6, 2002 Courtesy of Ted Scambos, NSIDC -

Non-photonic approach to monitoring changes on Earth: Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment GRACE measures very small changes in the Earth’s gravity over time and space -