Earth Observation by Remote
Sensing
Dr Nigel Trodd
Coventry University
Aim… to understand

the role of remote sensing in Earth
observation
& objectives… by


identifying & exemplifying
characteristics of remote sensing
evaluating strengths & weaknesses
using case studies of applied remote
sensing
What is remote sensing?

…the acquisition of physical data of an
object without touch or contact (Lintz & Simonett
1976)
What is Earth observation by
remote sensing?
…the science and technology to derive
information about the Earth’s land, sea, ice
& atmosphere using electromagnetic
radiation reflected or emitted from an object
or phenomena

Earth observation by remote sensing
Unique selling point: 1

Area of coverage
Unique selling point: 2
Area of coverage
 Repetition of
measurement

Unique selling point: 3
Area of coverage
 Repetition of
measurement
 Imaging the
inaccessible

Unique selling point: 4
Area of coverage
 Repetition of
measurement
 Imaging the
inaccessible
 Viewing the
invisible

Unique selling point: 5

3D
Unique selling point: 5
Area of coverage
 Repetition of
measurement
 Imaging the
inaccessible
 Viewing the
invisible
 Digitalselling point:
Unique


Digital
6
Where in
the world?
Same country,
which city?
Remote sensing:
a unique perspective






Area of coverage
Repetition of
measurement
Imaging the
inaccessible
Viewing the
invisible
3D
Digital
 multiscale
 multitemporal
 multi…
 multispectral
 multidimensional
 multipurpose
Case study: Yangtze delta
ENVISAT MERIS 2005
Case study: Yangtze delta
Natural fluctuations
Landsat MSS 1979
Landsat TM 1993
Agricultural expansion
Industrial development
Case study: Mozambique

Inundation of coastal floodplain 99/00 and 00/01
associated with ENSO events
SRTM DEM Mozambique

Validating theories of biogeomorphology
Case study: Grand Canyon
Conclusion


Earth observation by remote sensing
is a multifaceted technique
Case studies demonstrate that
remote sensing is an attractive tool
to characterise terrain and quantify
geomorphic processes & landscape
dynamics