An Introduction to Fundamentals of Remote Sensing for Professional Engineers

The principles of remote sensing are based primarily on the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum and the geometry of airborne or satellite platforms relative to their targets. This chapter provides a background on the physics of remote sensing, including discussions of energy sources, electromagnetic spectra, atmospheric effects, interactions with the target or ground surface, spectral reflectance curves, and the geometry of image acquisition. Remote sensing describes the collection of data about an object, area, or phenomenon from a distance with a device that is not in physical contact with the object. Such data are collected from ground-based, airborne, and satellite platforms that house sensor equipment. The data collected by the sensors are in the form of electromagnetic energy, which is the energy emitted, absorbed, or reflected by objects. Electromagnetic energy is synonymous with many terms, including electromagnetic radiation, radiant energy, energy, and radiation.

Pages: 79, Paperback, Independently published