Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is the process of obtaining data about an area or object by detecting and monitoring its physical characteristics without making physical contact with it, but rather at a distance through the measurement of its reflected and emitted radiation (from a satellite, although it can also be done from an aircraft). This can be achieved using sensor technologies and can be active or passive:

• Active remote sensing wherein a signal is emitted by a satellite or aircraft to the object or area being monitored and its reflection is detected by the sensor.
• Passive remote sensing measures energy that already exists, like sunlight, instead of emitting energy.
• Earth observation is one form of remote sensing.