Remote Sensing and GIS & its Application

Mr. Sushil J. Wadve¹, Mr. Saikrishna D. Mithapalli², Mr. Atul Chandanshive³

¹,2Research Scholar, Solapur Educational Society Polytechnic, Solapur, Maharashtra,
India-413002
³Lecturer, Civil Department at Solapur Educational Society Polytechnic, Solapur,
Maharashtra, India-413002
Abstract
This research paper provides a comprehensive review of the integration of Remote Sensing (RS)
and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and explores their diverse applications across
various fields. Remote sensing involves collecting data from a distance, typically using satellite
or airborne sensors, while GIS is a powerful tool for spatial analysis, visualization, and decision-
making. The combination of these technologies has led to significant advancements in mapping,
environmental monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, and more. This
paper discusses the evolution of RS and GIS, highlights key methodologies, and examines current
and emerging applications.

Introduction

Geographic Information Systems, commonly known as GIS, emerged in mid-20th century

as a powerful technology for spatial analysis, mapping, decision-making. The roots of GIS
can be traced back to the field of cartography, where maps were traditionally created to
represent geographical features. However, GIS goes beyond traditional mapping by
integrating spatial data with attribute data, enabling the analysis of relationships and
patterns.
Remote Sensing involves the collection of information about objects or phenomena from a
distance, typically using sensors mounted on satellites, aircraft, drones, or other platforms.
The roots of remote sensing can be traced back to the early use of aerial photography, which
provided a visual means of observing, analyzing landscapes from above.
The integration of GIS and Remote Sensing combines the spatial analysis capabilities of
GIS with the rich, spatially explicit information provided by remote sensing. This
integration enhances the understanding of Earth's surface, allowing for more informed
decision-making in areas like environmental management, agriculture, urban planning, and
disaster response.

Literature Review
Some of the researchers worked on Study of Application of Remote Sensing and GIS
technology to understand its working, types and various other aspects and also about their
workability in various fields and to research for new applications and technological
advancements. Following are some reviews of research.

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Jan de Leeuw a , Iris C. van Duren[1] studied Biological invasions form a major threat to
the sustainable provision of ecosystem products and services, both in man-made and natural
ecosystems. Increasingly, efforts were made to avoid invasions or eradicate or control
established invaders.
C.H. Tan, A.M. Melesse, S.S. Yeh[2] studied land use in China Taipei basins which showed
an increase in urban area and reduction in agricultural area over the study period. Due to
this change in land use, the runoff coefficient from the Rational Method increased for both
Niao-Song and Mei -Nong basins during the 10-year study period.
Saeedeh Fakhari, Azam Alikhademi[3] investigated the changes of YAKHAR glacier
using remote sensing and GIS technologies. The findings of the study revealed that first,
20 Journal of Geosciences and Geometrics some factors were more effective on the changes
of glacier.
Antoanetta Frantzova[4] studied the applicability of remote sensing data in disaster
management in Bulgaria and showed the way in which they were put in practice. There was
a good correlation between results obtained and actual environmental condition. Since the
consequences of the natural hazards depend not simply on theirs magnitude, but also on
what happened before, satellite data along with ground data affording an opportunity for
better decisions, reducing the risk and protect the population.
Brij Mohan Srivastava[5] researched Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Land
Resource Management and Planning in India. He stated in his conclusion that
systematically planned and proper way utilization of our land resources can play a major
role in solving land management problems using GIS and Remote Sensing.

Remote Sensing Technologies

Remote Sensing (RS) technologies involve the collection of information about objects or
phenomena from a distance, typically using sensors on various platforms. These
technologies play a crucial role in monitoring and understanding the Earth's surface and
atmosphere. Here are some key aspects of remote sensing technologies.
1. Satellite Remote Sensing:
• Overview: Satellites equipped with sensors capture data from space, providing a
global perspective
• Types of Satellites: Optical Satellites, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Thermal Infrared
Satellites
2. Airborne Remote Sensing:
Manned Aircraft: Equipped with various sensors for high- resolution data acquisition.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones): Small, autonomous or remote- controlled
aircraft carrying lightweight sensors. Used for localized and targeted data collection
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3. Ground-Based Remote Sensing:
Terrestrial Laser Scanning: Uses laser beams to measure distances, creating detailed 3D
models. Applied in topographic mapping and infrastructure monitoring.
Ground-Based Cameras: Placed on the ground or on tripods for capturing images of the
surroundings.
4. Passive and Active Remote Sensing:
Passive Remote Sensing: Sensors detect and record natural radiation emitted or reflected
by the Earth's surface. Examples include optical sensors.
Active Remote Sensing: Sensors emit their own signals and measure the return signals.
Examples include SAR and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
5. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging):
Overview: LIDAR systems use laser beams to measure distances and create highly detailed
3D models of the Earth's surface
Applications: Terrain mapping, forestry, urban planning, flood modeling, and infrastructure
monitoring,
6. Hyperspectral Remote Sensing:
Overview: Captures data in numerous narrow and contiguous bands across the
electromagnetic spectrum
Applications: Environmental monitoring, mineral exploration, agriculture, and identifying
specific materials based on their spectral signatures
7. Microwave Remote Sensing:
Overview: Sensors operate in the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum
Applications: SAR technology for terrain mapping, agriculture, deforestation monitoring,
and ice monitoring.
8. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS):
Overview: Collects precise positional information using signals from satellite
constellations
Applications: Geo referencing, ground control point collection, and accurate positioning for
data acquisition
Remote sensing technologies contribute to a wide range of applications, including
environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and scientific
research. The diverse capabilities of these technologies enable a comprehensive
understanding of the Earth's surface and its dynamic changes over time.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is s a powerful I technology that combines spatial
data (geographic information) with attribute data (descriptive information) to analyze,
interpret, and visualize complex relationships in a geographic context. GIS allows users to
capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and present spatial data, providing valuable insights for
decision-making in various fields. Here are key components and features of GIS:
1. Data Input:
GIS starts with the collection of spatial data. This can include data from maps, satellite
imagery, aerial photography, GPS devices, surveys, and other sources. Spatial data can be
categorized into vector data (points, lines, lines, polygons) and raster data (grids of cells
representing values)
2. Data Storage and Management:
GIS databases store and organize spatial and attribute data efficiently. Database
management systems (DBMS) are used to manage, query, and update GIS databases.
3. Data Analysis:
GIS enables spatial analysis, allowing users to explore relationships, patterns, and trends in
the data. Analytical functions include overlay analysis, proximity analysis, network
analysis, spatial statistics, and modeling
4. Data Output and Visualization:
GIS produces visual representations of spatial data through maps and other graphical
outputs. Users can create thematic maps, charts, and reports to communicate spatial patterns
and analysis results effectively.
5. Geocoding and Geo referencing:
Geocoding involves assigning geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) to locations
based on their addresses. Geo referencing involves aligning spatial data to a specific
coordinate system or reference map.
Spatial Query and Search:
GIS allows users to perform spatial queries to retrieve information based on location Users
can search for features within a specified distance, identify features within a particular
area, and analyze spatial relationships
6. Map Overlay:
Overlaying different layers of spatial data allows users to analyze the interactions and
relationships between various geographic features.
This is a fundamental concept in GIS, facilitating the integration of diverse datasets for
comprehensive analysis.

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7. Web GIS:
Web GIS extends GIS capabilities to the internet, allowing users to access and share
geographic information online. Web mapping applications and services enable interactive
mapping, data sharing and collaborative decision-making.
Integration of Remote Sensing and GIS technology
The integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
enhances the capabilities of both technologies, providing a comprehensive and powerful
toolset for analyzing and interpreting spatial information. The integration of RS and GIS
involves combining remotely sensed data with geospatial data in a seamless manner. Here
are key aspects of the integration:
1. Data Fusion:
Data fusion involves combining information from multiple sources to create a more
comprehensive and accurate dataset RS data, such as satellite imagery or aerial photos, is
fused with GIS data, including vector layers and attribute information. Fusion techniques
aim to preserve the spatial and spectral characteristics of the original data.
2. Geo referencing:
Geo referencing involves aligning RS data with GIS data using a common coordinate
system. Geo referenced RS imagery can be overlaid onto GIS maps, enabling spatial
analysis and visualization

3. Spatial Analysis:
RS data, such as land cover classifications or vegetation indices, can be integrated into GIS
for rin-depth spatial analysis. GIS tools facilitate the extraction of quantitative information,
such as area calculations, proximity analysis, and spatial statistics, from RS datasets.
4. Change Detection:
RS data is often used for change detection studies, such as monitoring land cover changes
over time. GIS provides the framework for analyzing and visualizing these changes,
enabling the identification of trends and patterns.
5. Decision Support Systems:
RS and GIS integration is fundamental to decision support systems, where spatial
information is used to make informed decisions. Decision-makers can utilize the combined
capabilities to assess the impact of various scenarios, plan land use changes, and manage
resources effectively

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6. Environmental Modeling:
RS data, such as temperature or soil moisture observations, can be integrated into GIS-
based environmental models. GIS allows for the incorporation of spatial parameters into
models, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of predictions
The integration of RS and GIS is essential for addressing complex spatial challenges across
various domains. It leverages the strengths of both technologies, allowing for a more
holistic and insightful analysis of the Earth's surface and its dynamic changes over time.
Applications
Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) find diverse applications
across various fields due to their ability to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial
information. Here are some key applications of RS and GIS: Environmental Monitoring
and Management, Urban planning and development, Disaster management, Health and
epidemiology, Forestry and natural resource management, Water resources management,
Transportation planning, Archaeology, Climate change studies , Energy resource
management , Precision farming , Real estate and property management , Smart cities.
The versatility of RS and GIS technologies makes them valuable tools for decision- makers
in diverse industries, aiding in evidence-based planning, resource management, and
informed decision-making.
Conclusion
RS and GIS technologies represent a dynamic and ever-evolving field that continues to
redefine our approach to spatial analysis and decision-making. As these technologies
advance, their role in shaping a sustainable and resilient future becomes increasingly
significant. Embracing the potential of RS and GIS is key to addressing complex spatial
challenges facing our world.

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References
1. Jan de Leeuw¹, Iris C. van Duren² “Remote Sensing and GIS Applications for Mapping
and Spatial Modeling of Invasive Species.” [1]Department of Natural Resources,
International Institute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) [2]Ministry
of Forest and Soil Conservation, Department of Plant Resources, Thapathali, Kathmandu,
Nepal.

2. C.H. Tan¹, A.M. Melesse², S.S. Yeh³ “Remote Sensing And Geographic Information
System In Runoff Coefficient Estimation In China Taipei” [1]Agricultural Engineering
Research Center 196-1, Chung Yuan Rd., Chung-Li, 320, China Taipei
[2]
Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department , University of Florida, Gainesville,
FL 32611, U.S.A.[3]Tsao-Jiin Memorial Foundation for R&D for Agriculture and Irrigation
Kaohsiung, China Taipei.
3. Saeedeh Fakhari1¹, Azam Alikhademi², “The Changes of YAKHAR Glacier Using
Remote Sensing and GIS Technologies.” [1]Department of Geography Sciences, Kharazmi
University, Tehran, Iran. [2]MA in English, Azad University Central Tehran branch, Iran

4. Antoanetta Frantzova “REMOTE SENSING, GIS AND DISASTER

MANAGEMENT” Head of Aerospace Monitoring Center at the DG Civil protection, Ministry
of Interior, Bulgaria 6, St. Nedelya Sq. Sofia 1000, Bulgaria
5. Brij Mohan Srivastava, “ Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Land Resource
Management and Planning” M.A. (Geography), B.Ed., NET-UGC (Geography)