Earth Observation by Remote Sensing Dr Nigel Trodd Coventry University

Earth Observation by Remote Sensing

Dr Nigel Trodd

Coventry University

the role of remote sensing in Earth observation

Aim… to understand

& 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)

…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

What is Earth observation by remote sensing?

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 DigitalUnique selling point: 6

Digital

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

Landsat MSS 1979

Landsat TM 1993

Agricultural expansion

Industrial development

Natural fluctuations

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