Remote Sensing and GIS

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar

Department of Geology
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow
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 Definition of Remote Sensing

A formal and comprehensive definition of applied remote sensing as given

by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is as follows:

“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;
technique 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 system, sonar, thermal devices, seismographs,
magnetometers, gravimeters, scintillometers, and other instrument”.
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The another definition of remote sensing is given by American
Association of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 1988 as follows:
“The art, science and technology of obtaining reliable
information about physical objects and the environment, through the
process of recording, measuring and interpreting imagery and digital
representation of energy pattern derived from noncontact sensor
systems”.

Another definitions:
"Remote Sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or
phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with
the object, area, or phenomenon under investigation.“
or
Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without
making physical contact with the object and thus in contrast to on-site observation. 3
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2005: IRS cartosat for DEM generation
2007: IRS cartosat 2 with 80 cm panchromatic band
2013: Landsat 8 OL1/T/RS with 11 bands (freely downlodable)
2014: World view 3.30 resolution

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 Stages in Remote Sensing

i. Emission of electromagnetic radiation, or EMR (sun/self emission)

ii. Transmission of energy from the source to the surface of the earth, as
well as absorption and scattering
iii. Interaction of EMR with the earth’s surface: reflection and emission
iv. Transmission of energy from the surface to the remote sensor
v. Sensor data output
vi. Data transmission, processing and analysis
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 Remote Sensing Process Components

• Energy Source or Illumination (A)

• Radiation and the Atmosphere (B)
• Interaction with the Target (C)
• Recording of Energy by the Sensor (D)
• Transmission, Reception, and Processing (E)
• Interpretation and Analysis (F)
• Application (G) 7
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Applications of Remote Sensing

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