An Introduction to Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is a technology for sampling reflected and emitted electromagnetic radiation of features on the Earth's land surface, oceans, and atmosphere. In this module, we exclude such techniques as sonar, geomagnetic and seismic sounding, as well as medical imaging, but include a wide set of techniques often known by the alternative name of Earth Observation (EO). The main objective of this module is to introduce the basic concepts of remote sensing science, focusing on the practical aspects of accessing, visualizing, and processing remotely-sensed data. Information here is targeted towards those who are interested in learning about working with satellite imagery. Through this module, teachers will enable students of biodiversity conservation to begin exploring the benefits of remote sensing and explore imagery on their own. The accompanying appendices contain numerous resources for remote sensing information, image archives, and software.