Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing Remote Sensing and ...

Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing

Remote Sensing and Remote Sensing and Digital Image ProcessingDigital Image Processing

Introduction

Scientists formulate hypotheses and then attempt to accept or reject them in a systematic, unbiased fashion. The data necessary to accept or reject a hypothesis may be collected directly in the field, often referred to as insitu or in-place data collection. This can be a time-consuming, expensive, and inaccurate process.

Scientists formulate hypotheses and then attempt to Scientists formulate hypotheses and then attempt to accept or reject them in a systematic, unbiased fashion. accept or reject them in a systematic, unbiased fashion. The data necessary to accept or reject a hypothesis may The data necessary to accept or reject a hypothesis may be collected directly in the field, often referred to as be collected directly in the field, often referred to as ininsitusitu or or inin--place place data collection. This can be a timedata collection. This can be a time--consuming, expensive, and inaccurate process. consuming, expensive, and inaccurate process.

In Situ Data CollectionIn SituIn Situ Data CollectionData Collection

Scientists can collect data in the field using biased procedures often referred to as method-produced error. Such error can be introduced by:

Scientists can collect data in the field using biased Scientists can collect data in the field using biased procedures often referred to as procedures often referred to as methodmethod--produced errorproduced error. . Such error can be introduced by: Such error can be introduced by:

Problems Associated with In Situ Data CollectionProblems Associated withProblems Associated with In SituIn Situ Data CollectionData Collection

• sampling design does not capture the spatial variability of the phenomena under investigation (i.e., some phenomena or geographic areas are oversampled while others are undersampled);

• improper operation of in situ measurement instruments; or

• uncalibrated in situ measurement instruments.

•• sampling designsampling design does not capture the spatial does not capture the spatial variability of the phenomena under investigation variability of the phenomena under investigation (i.e., some phenomena or geographic areas are (i.e., some phenomena or geographic areas are oversampled while others are undersampled); oversampled while others are undersampled);

•• improper operation improper operation of of in situ in situ measurement measurement instruments; orinstruments; or

•• uncalibrated uncalibrated in situ in situ measurement instrumentsmeasurement instruments..

In situ spectroradiometer measurement of soybeans

In situ spectroradiometer measurement of soybeans

In situ ceptometer leaf-area-index (LAI) measurement

In situ ceptometer leaf-area-index (LAI) measurement

In situ MeasurementIn Support of Remote Sensing Measurement

In situ MeasurementIn Support of Remote Sensing Measurement

It is a misnomer to refer to in situ data as ground truth data. Instead, we should refer to it simply as in situground reference data, and acknowledge that it also contains error.

It is a misnomer to refer to It is a misnomer to refer to in situin situ data as data as ground truth ground truth datadata. Instead, we should refer to it simply as . Instead, we should refer to it simply as in situin situground reference dataground reference data, and acknowledge that it also , and acknowledge that it also contains error.contains error.

Ground Reference InformationGround Reference InformationGround Reference Information

ASPRS adopted a combined formal definition of photogrammetry and remote sensing as (Colwell, 1997):

“the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment, through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting imagery and digital representations of energy patterns derived from noncontact sensor systems”.

ASPRS adopted a combined formal definition of ASPRS adopted a combined formal definition of photogrammetry photogrammetry andand remote sensingremote sensing as (Colwell, as (Colwell, 1997):1997):

““the art, science, and technology of obtaining the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and reliable information about physical objects and the environment, through the process of the environment, through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting imagery recording, measuring and interpreting imagery and digital representations of energy patterns and digital representations of energy patterns derived from noncontact sensor systemsderived from noncontact sensor systems””..

Remote Sensing Data CollectionRemote Sensing Data CollectionRemote Sensing Data Collection

A remote sensing instrument collects information about an

object or phenomenon within the instantaneous-field-of-view (IFOV) of the sensor system

without being in direct physical contact with it. The sensor is

located on a suborbitalor satellite platform.

A remote sensing instrument collects information about an

object or phenomenon within the instantaneous-field-of-view (IFOV) of the sensor system

without being in direct physical contact with it. The sensor is

located on a suborbitalor satellite platform.

Is Remote Sensing a Science?

A science is defined as the broad field of human knowledge concerned with facts held together by principles (rules). Scientists discover and test facts and principles by the scientific method, an orderly system of solving problems. Scientists generally feel that any subject that humans can study by using the scientific method and other special rules of thinking may becalled a science. The sciences include 1) mathematics and logic, 2) the physical sciences, such as physics and chemistry, 3) the biological sciences, such as botany and zoology, and 4) the social sciences, such as geography, sociology, and anthropology.

Is Remote Sensing a Science?Is Remote Sensing a Science?

A A sciencescience is defined as the broad field of human knowledge is defined as the broad field of human knowledge concerned with facts held together by concerned with facts held together by principlesprinciples (rules). (rules). Scientists discover and test facts and principles by the scientiScientists discover and test facts and principles by the scientific fic method, an orderly system of solving problems. Scientists method, an orderly system of solving problems. Scientists generally feel that any subject that humans can study by using generally feel that any subject that humans can study by using the scientific method and other special rules of thinking may bethe scientific method and other special rules of thinking may becalled a science. The sciences include 1) called a science. The sciences include 1) mathematicsmathematics andand logiclogic, , 2) the 2) the physical sciencesphysical sciences, such as physics and chemistry, 3) the , such as physics and chemistry, 3) the biological sciencesbiological sciences, such as botany and zoology, and 4) the , such as botany and zoology, and 4) the social sciencessocial sciences, such as geography, sociology, and , such as geography, sociology, and anthropology.anthropology.

Observations About Remote SensingObservations About Remote SensingObservations About Remote Sensing

Interaction Model Depicting the Relationships of the Mapping Sciences as they relate to Mathematics and Logic, and the Physical, Biological, and Social Sciences

Interaction Model Depicting the Relationships of the Mapping SciInteraction Model Depicting the Relationships of the Mapping Sciences as they ences as they relate to Mathematics and Logic, and the Physical, Biological, arelate to Mathematics and Logic, and the Physical, Biological, and Social Sciencesnd Social Sciences

Remote sensing is a tool or technique similar to mathematics. Using sensors to measure the amount of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exiting an object or geographic area from a distance and then extracting valuable information from the data using mathematically and statistically based algorithms is a scientific activity. It functions in harmony with other spatial data-collection techniques or tools of the mapping sciences, including cartography and geographic information systems (GIS) (Clarke, 2001).

Remote sensingRemote sensing is a tool or technique similar to is a tool or technique similar to mathematics. Using sensors to measure the amount of mathematics. Using sensors to measure the amount of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exiting an object or electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exiting an object or geographic area from a distance and then extracting geographic area from a distance and then extracting valuable information from the data using valuable information from the data using mathematically and statistically based algorithms is a mathematically and statistically based algorithms is a scientificscientific activity. It functions in harmony with other activity. It functions in harmony with other spatialspatial datadata--collection techniques or tools of the collection techniques or tools of the mapping sciencesmapping sciences, including cartography and , including cartography and geographic information systems (GIS) (Clarke, 2001). geographic information systems (GIS) (Clarke, 2001).

Observations About Remote SensingObservations About Remote Sensing

Is Remote Sensing an Art?

Visual image interpretation brings to bear not only scientific knowledge but all of the experience that a person has obtained in a lifetime. The synergism of combining scientific knowledge with real-world analyst experience allows the interpreter to develop heuristic rules of thumb to extract information from theimagery. Some image analysts are superior to other image analysts because they 1) understand the scientific principles better, 2) are more widely traveled and have seen many landscape objects and geographic areas, and/or 3) have the ability to synthesize scientific principles and real-world knowledge to reach logical and correct conclusions. Thus, remote sensing image interpretation is both an art and a science.

Is Remote Sensing an Art?Is Remote Sensing an Art?

Visual image interpretation brings to bear not only scientific Visual image interpretation brings to bear not only scientific knowledge but all of the knowledge but all of the experienceexperience that a person has obtained that a person has obtained in a lifetime. The synergism of combining scientific knowledge in a lifetime. The synergism of combining scientific knowledge with realwith real--world analyst experience allows the interpreter to world analyst experience allows the interpreter to develop heuristic rules of thumb to extract information from thedevelop heuristic rules of thumb to extract information from theimagery. Some image analysts are superior to other image imagery. Some image analysts are superior to other image analysts because they 1) understand the scientific principles analysts because they 1) understand the scientific principles better, 2) are more widely traveled and have seen many better, 2) are more widely traveled and have seen many landscape objects and geographic areas, and/or 3) have the landscape objects and geographic areas, and/or 3) have the ability to synthesize scientific principles and realability to synthesize scientific principles and real--world world knowledge to reach logical and correct conclusions. Thus, knowledge to reach logical and correct conclusions. Thus, remote sensing image interpretation is both an remote sensing image interpretation is both an artart and a and a sciencescience..

Observations About Remote SensingObservations About Remote SensingObservations About Remote Sensing

Information about an Object or Area

Sensors can be used to obtain specific information about an object (e.g., the diameter of a cottonwood tree crown) or the geographic extent of a phenomenon (e.g., the boundary of a cottonwood stand). The EMR reflected, emitted, or back-scattered from an object or geographic area is used as a surrogate for the actual property under investigation. The electromagnetic energy measurements must be calibrated and turned into information using visual and/or digital image processing techniques.

Information about an Object or AreaInformation about an Object or Area

Sensors can be used to obtain specific information Sensors can be used to obtain specific information about an object (e.g., the diameter of a cottonwood tree about an object (e.g., the diameter of a cottonwood tree crown) or the geographic extent of a phenomenon crown) or the geographic extent of a phenomenon (e.g., the boundary of a cottonwood stand). The EMR (e.g., the boundary of a cottonwood stand). The EMR reflected, emitted, or backreflected, emitted, or back--scattered from an object or scattered from an object or geographic area is used as a geographic area is used as a surrogatesurrogate for the actual for the actual property under investigation. The electromagnetic property under investigation. The electromagnetic energy measurements must be calibrated and turned energy measurements must be calibrated and turned into information using visual and/or digital image into information using visual and/or digital image processing techniques.processing techniques.

Observations About Remote SensingObservations About Remote Sensing

• Remote sensing is unobtrusive if the sensor passively records the EMR reflected or emitted by the object of interest. Passive remote sensing does not disturb the object or area of interest.

• Remote sensing devices may be programmed to collect data systematically, such as within a 9 9 in. frame of vertical aerial photography. This systematic data collection can remove the sampling bias introduced in some in situ investigations.

• Under controlled conditions, remote sensing can provide fundamental biophysical information, including x,y location, zelevation or depth, biomass, temperature, and moisture content.

•• Remote sensing is Remote sensing is unobtrusiveunobtrusive if the sensor if the sensor passivelypassively records records the EMR reflected or emitted by the object of interest. Passive the EMR reflected or emitted by the object of interest. Passive remote sensing does not disturb the object or area of interest. remote sensing does not disturb the object or area of interest.

•• Remote sensing devices may be programmed to collect data Remote sensing devices may be programmed to collect data systematically, such as within a 9 systematically, such as within a 9 9 in. frame of vertical aerial 9 in. frame of vertical aerial photography. This systematic data collection photography. This systematic data collection can remove the can remove the sampling biassampling bias introduced in some introduced in some in situin situ investigations. investigations.

•• Under controlled conditions, remote sensing can provide Under controlled conditions, remote sensing can provide fundamental fundamental biophysical informationbiophysical information, including , including x,yx,y location,location, zzelevation or depth, biomass, temperature, and moisture content. elevation or depth, biomass, temperature, and moisture content.

Advantages of Remote SensingAdvantages of Remote SensingAdvantages of Remote Sensing

• Remote sensing–derived information is now critical to the successful modeling of numerous natural (e.g., water-supply estimation; eutrophication studies; nonpoint source pollution) and cultural (e.g., land-use conversion at the urban fringe; water-demand estimation; population estimation) processes(Walsh et al., 1999; Stow et al., 2003).

•• Remote sensingRemote sensing––derived information is now critical to the derived information is now critical to the successful modeling of numerous successful modeling of numerous naturalnatural (e.g., water(e.g., water--supply supply estimation; eutrophication studies; nonpoint source pollution) estimation; eutrophication studies; nonpoint source pollution) and and culturalcultural (e.g., land(e.g., land--use conversion at the urban fringe; use conversion at the urban fringe; waterwater--demand estimation; population estimation) demand estimation; population estimation) processesprocesses(Walsh et al., 1999; Stow et al., 2003). (Walsh et al., 1999; Stow et al., 2003).

Advantages of Remote SensingAdvantages of Remote SensingAdvantages of Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing Earth

System Science

Remote Remote Sensing Earth Sensing Earth

System ScienceSystem Science

Human Activities

Biogeochemical CyclesHydrologic Cycle

Physical Climate System

ExternalForcing

Functions

Water pollution Land use

Atmospheric physics anddynamics

Terrestrial energy and

moisture

Ocean dynamics

Marinebiogeochemistry

Troposphericchemistry

Terrestrialecosystems

VolcanoesSun

Soil and waterchemistry

Global moisture

Stratospheric Chemistry and Dynamics

ClimateChange

Carbon Dioxide and Other Trace Gases

Air pollution

• The greatest limitation is that it is often oversold. Remote sensing is not a panacea that provides all the information needed to conduct physical, biological, or social science research. It provides some spatial, spectral, and temporal information of value in a manner that we hope is efficient and economical.

• Human beings select the appropriate remote sensing system to collect the data, specify the various resolutions of the remote sensor data, calibrate the sensor, select the platform that willcarry the sensor, determine when the data will be collected, andspecify how the data are processed. Human method-produced error may be introduced as the remote sensing instrument and mission parameters are specified.

•• The greatest limitation is that it is often The greatest limitation is that it is often oversoldoversold. . Remote Remote sensing is not a panaceasensing is not a panacea that provides all the information that provides all the information needed to conduct physical, biological, or social science needed to conduct physical, biological, or social science research. It provides some spatial, spectral, and temporal research. It provides some spatial, spectral, and temporal informationinformation of value in a manner that we hope is efficient and of value in a manner that we hope is efficient and economical.economical.

•• Human beingsHuman beings select the appropriate remote sensing system to select the appropriate remote sensing system to collect the data, specify the various resolutions of the remote collect the data, specify the various resolutions of the remote sensor data, calibrate the sensor, select the platform that willsensor data, calibrate the sensor, select the platform that willcarry the sensor, determine when the data will be collected, andcarry the sensor, determine when the data will be collected, andspecify how the data are processed. specify how the data are processed. Human methodHuman method--produced produced errorerror may be introduced as the remote sensing instrument and may be introduced as the remote sensing instrument and mission parameters are specified.mission parameters are specified.

Limitations of Remote SensingLimitations of Remote SensingLimitations of Remote Sensing

• Powerful active remote sensor systems that emit their own electromagnetic radiation (e.g., LIDAR, RADAR, SONAR) can be intrusive and affect the phenomenon being investigated. Additional research is required to determine how intrusive theseactive sensors can be.

• Remote sensing instruments may become uncalibrated, resulting in uncalibrated remote sensor data.

• Remote sensor data may be expensive to collect and analyze. Hopefully, the information extracted from the remote sensor data justifies the expense.

•• Powerful Powerful activeactive remote sensor systems that emit their own remote sensor systems that emit their own electromagnetic radiation (e.g., LIDAR, RADAR, SONAR) can electromagnetic radiation (e.g., LIDAR, RADAR, SONAR) can be intrusive and affect the phenomenon being investigated. be intrusive and affect the phenomenon being investigated. Additional research is required to determine how intrusive theseAdditional research is required to determine how intrusive theseactive sensors can be. active sensors can be.

•• Remote sensing instruments may become Remote sensing instruments may become uncalibrateduncalibrated, , resulting in uncalibrated remote sensor data. resulting in uncalibrated remote sensor data.

•• Remote sensor data may be Remote sensor data may be expensive to collect and analyzeexpensive to collect and analyze. . Hopefully, the information extracted from the remote sensor Hopefully, the information extracted from the remote sensor data justifies the expense.data justifies the expense.

Limitations of Remote SensingLimitations of Remote SensingLimitations of Remote Sensing

The remote sensing data-collection and analysisprocedures used for Earth resource applications are often implemented in a systematic fashion referred to as the remote sensing process.

The remote sensing The remote sensing datadata--collectioncollection and and analysisanalysisproceduresprocedures used for Earth resource applications are used for Earth resource applications are often implemented in a systematic fashion referred to often implemented in a systematic fashion referred to as the as the remote sensing processremote sensing process. .

The Remote Sensing ProcessThe Remote Sensing ProcessThe Remote Sensing Process

• The hypothesis to be tested is defined using a specific type of logic (e.g., inductive, deductive) and an appropriate processing model (e.g., deterministic, stochastic).

• In situ and collateral data necessary to calibrate the remote sensor data and/or judge its geometric, radiometric, and thematic characteristics are collected.

• Remote sensor data are collected passively or actively using analog or digital remote sensing instruments, ideally at the same time as the in situ data.

•• The hypothesis to be tested is defined using a specific type of The hypothesis to be tested is defined using a specific type of logiclogic (e.g., (e.g., inductiveinductive, , deductivedeductive) and an appropriate processing ) and an appropriate processing modelmodel (e.g., (e.g., deterministicdeterministic, , stochasticstochastic).).

•• In situIn situ and collateral data necessary to and collateral data necessary to calibrate the remote calibrate the remote sensor datasensor data and/or judge its geometric, radiometric, and and/or judge its geometric, radiometric, and thematic characteristics are collected. thematic characteristics are collected.

•• Remote sensor data are collected passively or activelyRemote sensor data are collected passively or actively using using analog or digital remote sensing instruments, ideally at the samanalog or digital remote sensing instruments, ideally at the same e time as the time as the in situin situ data.data.


A Taxonomy of Models used in Remote Sensing, GIS, and Environmental

Science Research

A Taxonomy of Models used in Remote Sensing, GIS, and Environmental

Science Research

• In situ and remotely sensed data are processed using a) analog image processing, b) digital image processing, c) modeling, and d) n-dimensional visualization.

• Metadata, processing lineage, and the accuracy of the information are provided and the results communicated using images, graphs, statistical tables, GIS databases, Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS), etc.

•• In situIn situ and remotely sensed data are processedand remotely sensed data are processed using a) analog using a) analog image processing, b) digital image processing, c) modeling, and image processing, b) digital image processing, c) modeling, and d) d) nn--dimensional visualization.dimensional visualization.

•• Metadata, processing lineage, and the accuracy of the Metadata, processing lineage, and the accuracy of the information are providedinformation are provided and the and the results communicatedresults communicated using using images, graphs, statistical tables, GIS databases, Spatial images, graphs, statistical tables, GIS databases, Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS), etc.Decision Support Systems (SDSS), etc.


The amount of electromagnetic radiance, L (watts m-2 sr-1; watts per meter squared per steradian) recorded within the IFOV of an optical remote sensing system (e.g., a picture element in a digital image) is a function of:

where,

= wavelength (spectral response measured in various bands or at specific frequencies). Wavelength () and frequency () may be used interchangeably based on their relationship with the speed of light (c) where .

The amount of electromagnetic radiance, The amount of electromagnetic radiance, LL (watts m(watts m--22 srsr--11; ; watts per meter squared per steradian) recorded within the watts per meter squared per steradian) recorded within the IFOV of an optical remote sensing system (e.g., a picture IFOV of an optical remote sensing system (e.g., a picture element in a digital image) is a function of:element in a digital image) is a function of:

where, where,

= wavelength (spectral response measured in various bands = wavelength (spectral response measured in various bands or at specific frequencies). Wavelength (or at specific frequencies). Wavelength () and frequency () and frequency () ) may be used interchangeably based on their relationship with may be used interchangeably based on their relationship with the speed of light (the speed of light (cc) where .) where .

,,,,, ,, PtsfL zyx


sx,y,z = x, y, z location of the picture element and its size (x, y)

t = temporal information, i.e., when and how often the information was acquired

= set of angles that describe the geometric relationships among the radiation source (e.g., the Sun), the terrain target of interest (e.g., a corn field), and the remote sensing system

P = polarization of back-scattered energy recorded by the sensor

= radiometric resolution (precision) at which the data (e.g., reflected, emitted, or back-scattered radiation) are recorded by the remote sensing system.

ssx,y,zx,y,z = = x, y, zx, y, z location of the picture element and its size (location of the picture element and its size (x, yx, y) )

tt = temporal information, i.e., when and how often the = temporal information, i.e., when and how often the information was acquiredinformation was acquired

= set of angles that describe the geometric relationships = set of angles that describe the geometric relationships among the radiation source (e.g., the Sun), the terrain target oamong the radiation source (e.g., the Sun), the terrain target of f interest (e.g., a corn field), and the remote sensing systeminterest (e.g., a corn field), and the remote sensing system

P P = polarization of back= polarization of back--scattered energy recorded by the scattered energy recorded by the sensorsensor

= radiometric resolution (precision) at which the data (e.g., = radiometric resolution (precision) at which the data (e.g., reflected, emitted, or backreflected, emitted, or back--scattered radiation) are recorded by scattered radiation) are recorded by the remote sensing system.the remote sensing system.


Spectral Resolution

Spectral Resolution

Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging

Spectrometer (AVIRIS) Datacube of Sullivan’s Island

Obtained on October 26, 1998

Airborne Visible Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Infrared Imaging

Spectrometer Spectrometer (AVIRIS) Datacube (AVIRIS) Datacube of Sullivanof Sullivan’’s Island s Island

Obtained on Obtained on October 26, 1998October 26, 1998

Color-infrared colorcomposite on top

of the datacube was created using three of the 224 bands

at 10 nm nominal bandwidth.

Spatial Resolution

Spatial Spatial ResolutionResolution

Temporal ResolutionTemporalTemporal ResolutionResolution

June 1, 2004June 1, 2004June 1, 2004 June 17, 2004June 17, 2004June 17, 2004 July 3, 2004July 3, 2004July 3, 2004

Remote Sensor Data AcquisitionRemote Sensor Data AcquisitionRemote Sensor Data Acquisition

16 days16 days16 days

Radiometric ResolutionRadiometricRadiometric ResolutionResolution

8-bit(0 - 255)

88--bitbit(0 (0 -- 255)255)

9-bit(0 - 511)

99--bitbit(0 (0 -- 511)511)

10-bit(0 - 1023)

1010--bitbit(0 (0 -- 1023)1023)

0

0

0

7-bit(0 - 127)

77--bitbit(0 (0 -- 127)127)0

Remote sensing systems record very specific angularcharacteristics associated with each exposed silver halide crystal or pixel. The angular characteristics are a function of:

• location in a three-dimensional sphere of the illumination source (e.g., the Sun for a passive system or the sensor itself in the case of RADAR, LIDAR, and SONAR) and its associated azimuth and zenith angles,

• orientation of the terrain facet (pixel) or terrain cover (e.g., vegetation) under investigation, and

• location of the suborbital or orbital remote sensing systemand its associated azimuth and zenith angles.

Remote sensing systems record very specific Remote sensing systems record very specific angularangularcharacteristicscharacteristics associated with each exposed silver halide associated with each exposed silver halide crystal or pixel. The angular characteristics are a function of:crystal or pixel. The angular characteristics are a function of:

•• location in a threelocation in a three--dimensional sphere of the illumination dimensional sphere of the illumination sourcesource (e.g., the Sun for a passive system or the sensor itself (e.g., the Sun for a passive system or the sensor itself in the case of RADAR, LIDAR, and SONAR) and its in the case of RADAR, LIDAR, and SONAR) and its associated azimuth and zenith angles, associated azimuth and zenith angles,

•• orientation of the terrain facetorientation of the terrain facet (pixel) or terrain cover (e.g., (pixel) or terrain cover (e.g., vegetation) under investigation, and vegetation) under investigation, and

•• location of the suborbital or orbital remote sensing systemlocation of the suborbital or orbital remote sensing systemand its associated azimuth and zenith angles.and its associated azimuth and zenith angles.

Angular InformationAngular InformationAngular Information

There is always an angle of incidence associated with the incoming energy that illuminates the terrain and an angle of exitance from the terrain to the sensor system. This bidirectionalnature of remote sensing data collection is known to influence the spectral and polarization characteristics of the at-sensor radiance, L, recorded by the remote sensing system.

There is always an There is always an angle of incidenceangle of incidence associated with the associated with the incoming energy that illuminates the terrain and an incoming energy that illuminates the terrain and an angle of angle of exitanceexitance from the terrain to the sensor system. This from the terrain to the sensor system. This bidirectionalbidirectionalnature of remote sensing data collection is known to influence nature of remote sensing data collection is known to influence the spectral and polarization characteristics of the atthe spectral and polarization characteristics of the at--sensor sensor radiance, radiance, L,L, recorded by the remote sensing system.recorded by the remote sensing system.

Angular InformationAngular InformationAngular Information

The analysis of remotely sensed data is performed using a variety of image processing techniques, including:

• analog (visual) image processing, and

• digital image processing.

Analog and digital analysis of remotely sensed data seek to detect and identify important phenomena in the scene. Once identified, the phenomena are usually measured, and the information is used in solving problems. Optimum results are often achieved using a synergistic combination of both visual and digital image processing.

The analysis of remotely sensed data is performed using a The analysis of remotely sensed data is performed using a variety of image processing techniques, including: variety of image processing techniques, including:

•• analog (visual) image processing, andanalog (visual) image processing, and

•• digital image processing. digital image processing.

Analog and digital analysis of remotely sensed data seek to Analog and digital analysis of remotely sensed data seek to detect and identify important phenomena in the scene. Once detect and identify important phenomena in the scene. Once identified, the phenomena are usually measured, and the identified, the phenomena are usually measured, and the information is used in solving problems. information is used in solving problems. Optimum results are Optimum results are often achieved using a synergistic combination of both visual often achieved using a synergistic combination of both visual and digital image processing.and digital image processing.

Remote Sensing Data AnalysisRemote Sensing Data AnalysisRemote Sensing Data Analysis

Image Analysis

Tasks

Image Analysis

Tasks

Digital image processing is used for many applications, including: weapon guidance systems (e.g., the cruise missile), medical image analysis (e.g., x-raying a broken arm), nondestructive evaluation of machinery and products (e.g., on an assembly line), and analysis of Earth resources. This class focuses on the art and science of applying remote sensing digital image processing for the extraction of useful Earth resource information.

Earth resource information is defined as any information concerning terrestrial vegetation, soils, minerals, rocks, water, certain atmospheric characteristics, and urban infrastructure.

Digital image processingDigital image processing is used for many applications, is used for many applications, including: weapon guidance systems (e.g., the cruise missile), including: weapon guidance systems (e.g., the cruise missile), medical image analysis (e.g., medical image analysis (e.g., xx--raying a broken arm), raying a broken arm), nondestructive evaluation of machinery and products (e.g., on nondestructive evaluation of machinery and products (e.g., on an assembly line), and analysis of Earth resources. an assembly line), and analysis of Earth resources. This class This class focuses on the art and science of applying remote sensing focuses on the art and science of applying remote sensing digital image processing for the extraction of useful Earth digital image processing for the extraction of useful Earth resource information.resource information.

Earth resource informationEarth resource information is defined as any information is defined as any information concerning terrestrial vegetation, soils, minerals, rocks, waterconcerning terrestrial vegetation, soils, minerals, rocks, water, , certain atmospheric characteristics, and urban infrastructure.certain atmospheric characteristics, and urban infrastructure.

Earth Resource Analysis PerspectiveEarth Resource Analysis PerspectiveEarth Resource Analysis Perspective

Such information may be useful for modeling:

• the global carbon cycle,

• biology and biochemistry of ecosystems,

• aspects of the global water and energy cycle,

• climate variability and prediction,

• atmospheric chemistry,

• characteristics of the solid Earth,

• population estimation, and

• monitoring land-use change and natural hazards.

Such information may be useful for modeling:

• the global carbon cycle,

• biology and biochemistry of ecosystems,

• aspects of the global water and energy cycle,

• climate variability and prediction,

• atmospheric chemistry,

• characteristics of the solid Earth,

• population estimation, and

• monitoring land-use change and natural hazards.

Earth Resource Analysis PerspectiveEarth Resource Analysis PerspectiveEarth Resource Analysis Perspective

Digital Image

Processing

Digital Digital Image Image

ProcessingProcessing

Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing Remote Sensing and ...

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