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Remote sensing

In the 1960s and 70s, remote sensing was done from aircraft and mainly for military purposes using thermal infrared scanners (temperature) and radar systems (SLAR: side looking airborne radar). Recognising the potential for civil applications, primarily in agriculture (harvest estimates) and geology (possible presence of oil and gas), the first earth-orbiting satellites were equipped with technology for colour observations of the Earth. The potential of these space observations for meteorology was quickly identified, and the meteorological community launched a successful series of meteorological satellites of increasing complexity and capabilities, which has sustained until the very present.


Remote sensing - an overview

by Paul Geerders
Remote imaging sensors use electromagnetic radiation, emanating from the earths' surface, either directly (thermal radiation: temperature) or reflected by it. There are two main types; active and passive. In the latter case the source is sunlight (visible light scanners) or an artificial source carried by the sensing platform (radar, lidar). Remote Sensing uses radiation with wavelengths roughly between 400 nm (ultraviolet) and 4 cm (radio waves). 02/01/2005
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Remote Sensing - Challenges for ACP countries

by Paul Geerders
Operational and independent application of Remote Sensing technology requires in each ACP country the implementation of a complete chain of technology infrastructure, from acquisition of the Remote Sensing data (either by purchase or by direct reception), through processing and generation of information products, to distribution to specific users and applications. Investments need to be made in the necessary equipment for receiving and processing Remote Sensing data, and for converting these data into specific, dedicated information products for science and decision-making. The information products generated need to be directly tuned to the requirements of the users and their applications. An appropriate organisational structure needs to be established in order to operate the acquired technology for the benefit of the country. 02/01/2005
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Remote Sensing

by Paul Geerders
Rapid developments in technology within the last decades of the 20th century are contributing to more informed decision making on issues related to environmental and resource management and agricultural and rural development. Remote Sensing, i.e. geo-spatial technologies for observations from airborne and space borne platforms , is one of these new developments.New sensors and sensor systems were developed that allowed more detailed information to be accessible. Technology systems became smaller (nanotechnology), faster, more versatile, more user-friendly, and to a certain extent even 'intelligent'. The observations made from altitudes between 100 m and 36000 km provided a unique overview and allowed for the identification of large units and relationships to be determined. It would never have been possible to obtain this overview merely from field observations. 02/01/2005
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