Radiation is the emission and propagation of energy in the form of rays or waves. In this topic we will be talking about radiation in the form of electromagnetic waves which are emitted from the sun and propagate towards Earth. When these waves finally reach Earth, they interact with the atmosphere and surface in a number of different waves depending on the nature of the object and the wave.
Topic Readings
Required Readings
There are no required readings for this topic.
Optional Readings
Shellito, B.A. (2014). Chapter 10: How Remote Sensing Works. In E. Bruno (Ed.), Introduction to Geo-Spatial Technologies (2nd ed., pp. 327-334). New York, NY: W.H. Freeman and Company.
Manipulating and analyzing remotely sensed data is based off of our understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum and radiation. As we conclude this topic, start to think about ways in which satellite imagery could be affected by different factors now that you know how radiation interacts with Earth’s atmosphere and surface.
Topic Self-review (For self learning)
Please use the reflection questions below as study guide to conduct self-review for the topic.
Why is the relationship between frequency and wavelength important to remote sensing?
What is a quanta of energy and how is it calculated?
List the different waves in the electromagnetic spectrum from largest to smallest wavelength and briefly describe each.
What are the two types of atmospheric interaction?
What are the three types of surface interaction?
FODE009
Requirements Changed
Module II Introduction Topic 2.2: Remote Sensing and Spectral Signature