Lecture 2 Principle of EMR
Lecture 2 Principle of EMR
Lecture 2 Principle of EMR
(SUG656/GLS612)
LECTURE 2:
PRINCIPLE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC
RADIATION (EMR)
14
Properties of light important in remote sensing
Radio waves (more than 1m) • This is the longest portion of the spectrum mostly
used for commercial broadcast and meteorology
Interaction Processes
• Incoming EMR - the solar radiation arriving at the earth from all frequencies or
wavelengths, typically from 300 nm to 3000 nm wavelength. Meteorologists refer to
this band as short-wave radiation.
• Reflected EMR - the radiation from the sun which is reflected back into the
atmosphere after striking the Earth.
• Emitted EMR - outgoing long-wave radiation emitted by the Earth's surface and
lower atmosphere.
• Absorbed – amount of radiation being absorbed by different earth’s features
Basic strategy for sensing electromagnetic
radiation
◻ Everything in nature has its own unique distribution
of reflected, transmitted and absorbed radiation
◻ These spectral characteristics, if ingeniously
exploited can be used to distinguish one thing from
another or to obtain information about shape, size,
and other physical and chemical properties (add
examples)
Emitted EMR by the Earth’s
Surface
Infrared remote sensing makes use of infrared sensors to detect infrared radiation
emitted from the Earth's surface (within the thermal infrared region). These radiations
are emitted from warm objects such as the Earth's surface. They are used in satellite
remote sensing for measurements of the earth's land and sea surface temperature.
Thermal infrared remote sensing is also often used for detection of forest fires.
More on Concepts of Remote Sensing
(cont.)
When we look at trees and This light is called infrared light. Special
grass, we see green. film is used to record infrared
The grass reflects green information. Since we cannot see infrared
light and absorbs all the light, scientists give it a color. Red is the
other colors. But grass and color most commonly used to show this
trees also reflect light we light, but it can be shown in any color.
cannot see. Special sensors on the satellites can also
record infrared light.
Scientists use data received
Which combination from
of data the you
would satellite
use ifinyou
different
were a farmer?
combinations
A closer look at this satellite image shows differences in the red areas.
Scientists can study these areas on the ground to learn what type of
vegetation is there. Then, scientists can map the location of different
habitats.
Why should you be interested in
remote sensing
◻ Because its interesting
◻ Part of the earth science (and climate change)
“culture”
◻ Provides unique information about planet earth
◻ Use in dissertation (data is limiting factor)
Why use satellite remote sensing?
◻ A tool for global monitoring
◻ An objective and consistent tool for spatial
dimensions
◻ At variety of scales (local and global)
◻ Largest measurements not possible by other
means
◻ Rapid update of data (every 15 min?)