The
four basic components of a remote sensing system (energy source, transmission
path, target, and sensor) work together to measure and record information
about a target without actually coming into physical contact with it. In
order for this to happen, something must act as a medium for transmitting
information from the target to the sensor. In most instances of terrestrial
remote sensing, that something is electromagnetic energy. This module
introduces the radiometric principles and physical laws that govern the
behaviour of electromagnetic radiation. First, we will give a basic definition
of electromagnetic radiation. Then, we will discuss some of the sources
of electromagnetic energy. Finally, we will proceed to a detailed discussion
of the models and characteristics of electromagnetic waves you should understand
to effectively collect and use remotely sensed data.
When you complete this module you should be able to:
- identify sources of electromagnetic radiation
- describe the electromagnetic spectrum
- understand the relationship between wavelength, frequency,
and the velocity of electromagnetic energy
- understand what a blackbody is and describe the energy emitted
from a blackbody in terms of the Stefan-Boltzmann Law and Wien's
Displacement Law
The
four basic components of a remote sensing system (energy source, transmission
path, target, and sensor) work together to measure and record information
about a target without actually coming into physical contact with it. In
order for this to happen, something must act as a medium for transmitting
information from the target to the sensor. In most instances of terrestrial
remote sensing, that something is electromagnetic energy. This module
introduces the radiometric principles and physical laws that govern the
behaviour of electromagnetic radiation. First, we will give a basic definition
of electromagnetic radiation. Then, we will discuss some of the sources
of electromagnetic energy. Finally, we will proceed to a detailed discussion
of the models and characteristics of electromagnetic waves you should understand
to effectively collect and use remotely sensed data.