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5. Absorption

The chapter elaborates on various atmospheric phenomena that influence remote sensing, particularly focusing on scattering, absorption, transmission, atmospheric windows, and spectral signatures. It details the types of orbits for remote sensing platforms, types of platforms used for data collection, and the different types of resolutions that affect image quality. Furthermore, the role of various sensors in remote sensing is explained, highlighting passive and active systems, with their respective advantages for different applications.

Sections

Absorption

The absorption of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the atmosphere is crucial for understanding how different gases and particles interact with incident radiation.

3 Section Overview

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Transmission

Transmission refers to the process by which electric and electromagnetic radiation passes through the atmosphere and reaches the Earth’s surface, highlighting atmospheric windows and the impact of scattering and absorption.

4 Section Overview

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4.1 Atmospheric windows

Atmospheric windows are specific regions within the electromagnetic spectrum where radiation can effectively penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, making them ideal for remote sensing applications.

Spectral Signature of Objects

The section covers the concept of spectral signatures, detailing how materials reflect and emit electromagnetic radiation across different wavelengths, which is vital in remote sensing.

5.9 Section Overview

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Types of Orbits

This section discusses the different types of orbits used for satellites in space-borne remote sensing, focusing on geosynchronous and sun-synchronous orbits and their applications.

5.10 Section Overview

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5.10.1 Geo-synchronous Satellites

Geo-synchronous satellites orbit the Earth at a fixed position relative to the surface, enabling continuous observation of a specific area.

5.10.2 Sun-synchronous Satellites

Sun-synchronous satellites operate in low Earth orbits, allowing them to maintain a constant relationship with the Sun, which is essential for consistent imaging of the Earth's surface.

Types of Remote Sensing Platforms

This section discusses the three main types of remote sensing platforms: ground-based, airborne, and space-borne platforms.

5.11 Section Overview

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5.11.1 Ground based platforms

Ground based platforms are essential tools in remote sensing, providing detailed and localized data collection for environmental analysis.

5.11.2 Air-borne platforms

Air-borne platforms are critical tools used for data collection close to the ground, enhancing the resolution of remote sensing imagery.

5.11.3 Space-borne platforms

This section discusses Mie and non-selective scattering, absorption, transmission, and the significance of atmospheric windows in remote sensing.

Different Types of Resolutions

This section discusses the four main types of resolutions in remote sensing: spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal resolution.

5.12 Section Overview

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5.12.1 Spatial Resolution

Spatial resolution refers to the smallest size of an area on Earth's surface that can be distinctly recorded by a remote sensing sensor.

5.12.2 Spectral Resolution

Spectral resolution refers to a sensor's ability to define fine wavelength intervals, which is essential for characterizing different surface features in remote sensing.

5.12.3 Radiometric Resolution

This section discusses the concept of radiometric resolution in remote sensing, focusing on the role of scattering, absorption, and transmission of electromagnetic radiation in image quality.

5.12.4 Temporal Resolution

Temporal resolution refers to the frequency at which a satellite revisits the same area, impacting its ability to monitor dynamic changes.

Different Types of Sensors

This section discusses the types of sensors in remote sensing, categorizing them into passive and active sensors and their subtypes based on several factors.

5.13 Section Overview

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5.13.1 Based on the source of illumination

This section discusses passive and active sensors used in remote sensing, highlighting their reliance on natural and artificial light sources.

5.13.2 Based on internal geometry

This section explores the internal geometries of different remote sensing sensors, emphasizing their design differences and operational principles.

5.13.3 Based on the wavelength

This section describes the different types of sensors used in remote sensing based on the wavelength they operate in, focusing on optical, thermal, and microwave sensors.

Learning Objectives

  • Mie scattering and non-selective scattering significantly affect remote sensing data quality.

  • Spectral signatures of objects are crucial for distinguishing different materials in remote sensing imagery.

  • Different types of orbits and platforms are necessary for effectively collecting remote sensing data.

Key Concepts

Mie Scattering

Scattering caused by particles similar in size to the wavelength of light, affecting image quality due to atmospheric haze.

Non-selective Scattering

Occurs when large particles scatter all wavelengths equally, making clouds appear white and reducing image contrast.

Absorption

The process where radiation is taken in by a medium, converting some energy into heat, affecting the apparent spectral signature of objects.

Atmospheric Windows

Regions in the atmosphere where transmission of electromagnetic radiation is maximized, allowing effective remote sensing.

Spatial Resolution

The smallest size of an object that can be reliably identified in an image, impacted by the pixel size.

Spectral Resolution

The ability of a sensor to distinguish between different wavelengths, affecting the identification of features.

Practice Exercises

Total Questions

2

Estimated Time

4 min

Passing Score

70%

Instructions

  • Read each question carefully
  • You can use hints if you need help
  • Complete all questions before submitting

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