Remote sensing is one of the types of geospatial technologies used for data collection in the form of imagery from space or UAVs and sensor platforms. It supports the collection of detailed multispectral data that has led to a better understanding of minerals, soils, urban development, agriculture, and other geographic features.
Remote sensing can be defined as the process of acquiring information about an object from a distance. These sensors detect and monitor electromagnetic radiation, being reflected from Earth in the form of visible wavelengths radiated, reflected or scattered, ultraviolet, microwave, and infrared wavelengths. Here are some examples:
Remote sensing is classified into two types:
Active sensors use their own emission source or light to illuminate the object and measure the distance. An example of this is the camera that we use to take pictures. When the flash is used, cameras act as active sensors. They illuminate their target and measure the reflected energy back to the camera. Active sensors are needed to capture the images under the shade.
There are different types of active sensors such as:
Passive sensors do not emit energy; they rely on solar light to illuminate the object. That is why these sensors only be used with proper sunlight; otherwise, there is nothing to reflect. These passive sensors cannot operate in bad weather conditions. It is impossible for passive sensors to quantify plant structure under a canopy, as sunlight is typically reflected from the top of a forest.
The following are the common types of passive sensors:
Remote sensing is one of the most advanced technologies for planning and management. It provides the latest information about any object located at a great distance. Applications of remote sensing are used in the development processes such as soil, forestry, geology, and agriculture. It is used for sustainable development, disaster management, environmental degradation, and natural resource management.
With advances in drone and robotic technologies, remote sensing is also evolving. The use of these platforms complements traditional platforms and provides more accurate insights.
These technologies have opened up a new class of use cases that were not possible with traditional aerial survey methods. They provide new opportunities for monitoring remote areas, and their form factor and cost enable a higher frequency of data collection.
Drone and robotic technology platforms can be used for remote sensing in various fields such as energy, forestry, oil and gas, transportation, aviation, emergency management, and natural resource restoration and conservation. The frequency of data from these platforms is combined with analytics and cloud infrastructure, to acquire, analyze and act upon in more effective ways.
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