Earth remote sensing

Earth remote sensing is data collection on the environment, geology, climate, and other characteristics of the Earth by means of sensors positioned in the air or in Earth orbit. Sensors used for this type of data gathering include those covering all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Both passive (i.e. collection of photons emitted by the items on the surface or in the atmosphere) and active (RADAR or LIDAR) techniques have been in common usage since the creation of the sensors themselves. Aerial surveying, LANDSAT mapping, satellite commercial Imaging, and spaceborne meteorology (i.e. the weather satellite photos displayed on the television news) are all examples of Earth remote sensing. For more detailed information see Remote sensing .