Remote sensing is a field of study that uses technology to collect and analyze massive amounts of data. The field began in the early 20th century, when French artist Louis Daguerre invented the first practical camera – the daguerreotype, which captures images using a silver plated copper sheet treated with iodine vapor. World War I pilots strap camera technology to their biplanes to record conditions behind enemy lines. This development kick started an age of airborne surveillance and satellite-enabled telecommunications.
“Remote sensing specifically in the context of earth observation satellites is central to the mapping technologies used by us and our customers specifically, but also the world in general,” says Jaurez Dorfling, Managing Director, at GEO Data Design (Pty) Ltd.
Modern Remote Sensing Applications
Today, remote sensing technology has advanced and now serves a wide range of applications. For example, INSAR uses interferometry to monitor the climate and provides early warnings of landslides. The normalized difference vegetation index tracks global food supplies by showing healthy crops as green and unhealthy crops as red. These applications also help reduce fertilizer use by up to 10 percent.
“A plethora of satellites offering different types of imagery and data orbit the earth, and more continue to launch regularly. These satellites include optical, multispectral, superspectral, hyperspectral, SAR, laser, and other types that continuously capture data. This geolocated data and imagery allow us to map every corner of the earth and sky,” comments Jaurez.
Sensors and Data Collection
Researchers use high-powered sensors to measure the Earth’s surface and analyze the data to determine landscape characteristics. Remote sensing most commonly relies on visible light as a key metric. It also uses infrared light and ultraviolet radiation for specialized applications. Some sensors capture both types of radiation. Aerial photography and photogrammetry serve as the main visual documentation systems in remote sensing, and they support the study of land and water resources.
Satellite Mapping in Africa and Global Access
“Africa has many remote and difficult to reach areas. Mapping these areas and gathering intelligence can be challenging and expensive. Earth observation satellites can significantly reduce these challenges of collecting this information to enable effective and timely decisions,” articulates Jaurez.
He further elaborates that; “With the increase in both population and a need for resources, the need for efficient agricultural management has become critical. Using satellite imagery, we can effectively monitor, manage and mitigate challenges such as water scarcity, crop disease and climate change while increasing productivity. The imagery collected by earth observation satellites on an ongoing basis allows for the rapid updating and time series analyses to identify, locate and quantify significant changes in an area, a country, a region, a continent or the planet as a whole.”
Versatility of Remote Sensing Technology
Remote sensing technology is highly versatile. Its sensors collect information that helps determine the type of vegetation in a given area. In some countries, tax revenue agencies use satellite data from remote sensing to detect signs of wealth. For instance, a government discovered fifteen thousand unclaimed swimming pools in 2013, which owners had used to avoid paying taxes. The data also helps track crop insurance fraud. People apply this method in many other contexts.
Types of Satellites and Measurement Tools
Various types of satellites can be used to collect data. The technology can help identify the origin of vegetation, and can detect the presence of plants. A large number of sensors can be used to determine the composition of a region. A spectrometer can also measure the color of a specific region. The data collected by the satellite can also indicate the temperature of a specific object. This means that the sensor is a good choice to monitor the temperature of an area.
Importance in Mapping and Environmental Monitoring
Mapping stands as one of the most important uses of remote sensing. The technology also supports agricultural and environmental monitoring. As Jaurez explains, “the earth, climate and the impact of humans on the environment (and vice versa) constantly change, so too do our maps need to change in tandem. Without these satellites and remote sensing technques, today’s mapping technologies would be incapable of delivering the vital contribution to managing our planet better to the benefit of all.”
Remote sensing serves as a powerful mapping tool. It delivers accurate data on rural road conditions and supports everyday mapping needs. The technology collects and analyzes data without intrusive methods such as on-the-ground surveying, often using satellites instead. It also provides a global perspective and delivers actionable insights about any area.
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