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