What Is Remote Sensing and

Its Applications?
Remote that means something which is not exactly in contact or physical
contact, Sensing means getting information, data something like
temperature, pressure, photograph, etc.
Remote sensing is the process of acquiring information, detecting,
analyzing, monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by recording
it is reflected and emitted radiation energy without having any physical
contact with the object under study. This is done by capturing the
reflected radiation/energy.

Types of remote sensing

1. Active sensor
The sensor embodies within itself the source of illumination like a satellite
equipped with a RADAR sensor. Active sensors throw their own energy to
scan the object. RADAR and LiDAR are examples of active remote sensing
which measure the time delay between emission and return.
2. Passive sensor
The sensors gather radiation that is emitted or reflected by the object or
surrounding areas. Sunlight reflection is the most common source of
radiation measured by passive sensors. Examples of passive remote
sensors are photography, infrared, and radiometers. Passive sensors are
more used because it provides great quality satellite imagery. The passive
sensor is superior within the field of technical observation of the planet,
such as Multispectral and Hyperspectral technology.

Spectral reflectance in remote sensing

Land-cover and land-use maps are required for many applications such as
regions planning, landscape planning, and landscape ecology, agricultural
management, and forestry.
Electromagnetic energy reaching the earth’s surface from the Sun is
reflected, absorbed or transmitted. A basic assumption made in remote
sensing is that specific study targets (different types of soils, water having
different degrees of impurities, rocks of different lithologies, or vegetation
of various species) have an individual and characteristic manner of
interacting with incident radiation that is described by the spectral
response of that study target.
The spectral reflectance can be affected by many factors such as soil
nutrients, the growth stage of the vegetation, the color of the soil (which
may be affected by recent weather conditions).
In some instances, the interaction between incident radiation and earth’s
surface object will be different from time to time, such as might be
expected in the case of vegetation as it changes from the leafing stage,
through maturity growth and, finally to senescence. The term ‘spectral
signature’ is sometimes used to describe the spectral response curve for a
study target.

Remote Sensing Major Applications Area

Satellites play a huge role in the development of many technologies like
world mapping, GPS, City planning, etc. Remote Sensing is one of the
many innovations that were possible, thanks to the satellites roaming
around the earth.
Following are some major fields in what can remote sensing be
used for
 Weather

 Forestry
 Agriculture
 Surface changes
 Biodiversity
And many more (the number is damn high, can’t list out all, these are the
main fields in which it is mostly used)

The primary application of remote sensing?

15 Surprising Applications of
Remote Sensing in Geography
 April 9, 2023
 9 min read
Have you ever wondered how geographers gather accurate
information about the earth’s surface without physically being
there? The answer lies in remote sensing technology. With its
ability to acquire information about the earth’s surface without
direct contact, remote sensing has revolutionized the field of
geography.

In this blog, we will explore the various Applications of Remote

Sensing in Geography and how it has transformed the way we
study and understand our planet. Read on to discover the power
of remote sensing technology and its impact on the field of
geography.

Remote sensing technology has numerous applications in

various fields, including environmental monitoring and
assessment, natural hazards assessment and
management, transportation and infrastructure planning,
urban planning and development, agriculture and food
security, archaeology and heritage preservation, climate
change studies, water resource management, mining and
mineral exploration, marine and coastal studies, wildlife
management and conservation, public health studies, and
humanitarian aid efforts.

Applications of Remote Sensing in

Geography

Remote sensing is the science of gathering information about the

earth’s surface from a distance. This is done using a variety of
sensors, such as cameras and radar, mounted on satellites,
aircraft, or other platforms.

Remote sensing data can provide valuable insights into a range of

geographic phenomena, including land cover and land use,
vegetation health, hydrological processes, atmospheric
conditions, and more.

1. Mapping and Monitoring Land Use/Land Cover Changes

One of the primary applications of remote sensing in geography is
land use mapping. This involves using satellite imagery to identify
and classify different types of land cover, such as forests, urban
areas, and agricultural land. Land use mapping is essential for
understanding patterns of urbanization, deforestation, and other
land use changes.

Additionally, remote sensing data can also be used to monitor

changes in land cover over time. This is especially useful for
tracking the effects of climate change on ecosystems or
identifying areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters.

2. Vegetation Health Monitoring

Remote Sensing can help us to identify areas of drought, disease

or pest infestation, and other environmental stresses that may
affect the health of vegetation. By using remote sensing data, we
can also track changes in land use or land cover as well as detect
changes in soil moisture levels that may be impacting local
ecosystems.

Remote sensing is also used to monitor climate change impacts

on vegetation health, such as increasing temperatures and
changing rainfall patterns. With remote sensing technology, we
can gain valuable insights into how our environment is changing
over time and how this may affect our local ecosystems.

3. Climate Monitoring

Geographers can use remote sensing to study changes in

temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions, and
analyze the impact of climate change on the environment and
human populations. This information is crucial for policymakers to
develop strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change and
ensure the sustainability of natural resources.

4. Flood Mapping

Flood mapping uses remote sensing to gather information about

topography, land use, and other factors that may contribute to
flooding. This data is then analyzed to create detailed maps that
show which areas are at risk of flooding during different weather
conditions. With these maps, emergency responders can better
prepare for disasters by identifying evacuation routes and
providing resources where they are needed most.

In addition to helping with disaster response efforts, flood

mapping can also be used for long-term planning purposes.

5. Coastal Zone Management

Through remote sensing, geographers are able to collect data on

various aspects of coastal zones such as erosion, sedimentation,
water quality, vegetation cover and land use changes.

This data can then be used to create precise maps that provide a
comprehensive understanding of the state of coastal areas. These
maps are critical in helping decision-makers identify potential
risks or hazards affecting these areas and develop appropriate
mitigation strategies.

Remote sensing technology also allows for more accurate

monitoring of human activities within coastal zones. It can help
identify illegal activities such as poaching or unauthorized
construction which may affect marine ecosystems.

6. Mineral Exploration

The primary advantage of using remote sensing for mineral

exploration is the ability to cover vast areas quickly and
efficiently. With traditional methods, geologists would need to
take physical samples from hundreds or thousands of locations to
determine if there was any mineralization present.

However, with remote sensing technology, they can analyze large

regions in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional
techniques.

7. Archaeological Mapping
Remote sensing is a useful tool in archaeology. It can help to
identify buried structures, map ancient settlements, and detect
archaeological sites that are not visible on the ground. Remote
sensing data can also be used to study the cultural and
environmental factors that influenced human settlement patterns.

8. Forest Fire Detection

Forest fires are widespread and pose a significant threat to our

environment and economy. Remote sensing makes it possible to
detect forest fires early enough, allowing for quick response and
mitigation measures.

Remote sensing technology uses sensors mounted on aircraft or

satellites to detect thermal radiation emitted by fire. These
sensors can pick up even small temperature differences on the
ground, thereby alerting authorities in real-time when there is an
outbreak of fire.

Remote sensing also helps track the spread of fire as it provides

images of areas affected by flames, making it easier for
firefighters to identify hotspots and direct their efforts
accordingly.

9. Disaster Damage Assessment

One way remote sensing can be used for disaster damage

assessment is through aerial photography. High-resolution images
captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide an
overview of the affected area, allowing responders to identify
damaged infrastructure and prioritize their efforts accordingly.

Another application of remote sensing in disaster damage

assessment is through satellite imagery. Satellite data can show
changes in land cover before and after a disaster, giving insights
into how much damage occurred and where resources should be
allocated for restoration.

10. Air Quality Monitoring

Remote sensing technology enables us to track pollutants in the
atmosphere, identify their sources, and measure their
concentration levels. Using remote sensing for air quality
monitoring has several advantages over traditional methods.

First, it provides continuous monitoring of large areas which

would otherwise be impossible with ground-based instruments.

Second, it allows for real-time data processing and analysis

which helps us respond quickly to any abnormal changes in air
quality.

Finally, remote sensing can detect pollutants even in hard-to-

reach areas such as industrial sites or forests which are difficult to
access by conventional means.

11. Urban Planning

Remote sensing plays a critical role in urban planning and

development. Geographers can use remote sensing to analyze
urban growth patterns, identify areas of overcrowding, and plan
for the development of infrastructure such as roads, housing, and
public facilities.

Remote sensing can also help in identifying potential areas of

environmental degradation and developing strategies to mitigate
their impact.

12. Infrastructure Monitoring

By using remote sensing tools such as satellite imagery and

LiDAR data, geographers can obtain accurate and up-to-date
information about the condition of critical infrastructure assets.
One way remote sensing is useful for monitoring infrastructure is
through change detection analysis.

For example, changes in land use patterns or vegetation cover

can indicate disruptions to transportation networks or water
supply systems. Additionally, remote sensors are able to capture
information about environmental factors like temperature and
precipitation which could affect long-term structural safety.

13. Water Resource Management

The use of remote sensing has revolutionized water resource

management by providing accurate and timely information about
various aspects of water resources such as quantity, quality, and
availability.

With remote sensing technology, experts can easily identify areas

with low rainfall levels and track changes in groundwater levels
over time. The data collected helps decision-makers make
informed choices regarding irrigation timing and scheduling.

14. Geomorphological Mapping

Geomorphological mapping using remote sensing involves

identifying different types of landforms from satellite
images. This can include mountains, valleys, rivers, and other
features that shape the Earth’s surface. By analyzing these
images, geographers can gain insight into the geological history
and current state of an area. They can also use this information to
make predictions about future changes in the landscape.

15. Biodiversity Conservation

Remote sensing allows for mapping of terrestrial biomes,

including forests and grasslands, which are home to diverse plant
and animal species. The analysis of images obtained through
remote-sensing can help identify areas that require protection or
restoration due to factors such as habitat loss or degradation.

Additionally, remote-sensing helps track changes in land use

patterns across time- an essential component of biodiversity
conservation planning.

Remote Sensing and Geographic

Information Systems (GIS)
Remote sensing technology is often used in conjunction
with geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze, manage,
and present geographic data. GIS allows geographers to integrate
and analyze data from various sources, including remote sensing
data, to create detailed maps and models.

While remote sensing and GIS are different fields, they often work
together to provide more comprehensive data and analysis.
Remote sensing data can be integrated into GIS to create detailed
maps and visualizations. GIS can also be used to manage and
analyze remote sensing data, making it more accessible and
useful for decision-makers.

Both remote sensing and GIS have numerous applications in

geography, including agriculture, climate monitoring, natural
resource management, urban planning, and disaster
response. Remote sensing and GIS are essential tools for
understanding and managing the Earth’s surface, and
their applications continue to grow and evolve with
advances in technology.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, remote sensing is a powerful tool that has

revolutionized the field of geography in recent years. From land
use mapping to climate monitoring and disaster management,
remote sensing technology has countless applications in the field.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even
more innovative uses of remote sensing in geography and other
disciplines.

FAQs: Applications of Remote Sensing in

Geography

How is remote sensing used in geography?

Remote sensing is used in geography for a range of applications,

including land use mapping, vegetation health monitoring,
climate monitoring, flood mapping, and more.