Remote sensing involves obtaining information about objects through analysis of data collected by instruments without physical contact. It uses electromagnetic radiation as an information carrier. The key elements of remote sensing are an energy source, radiation interacting with objects, sensors recording energy, transmission and processing of data, interpretation and analysis, and applications. Platforms for remote sensors include ground, airborne, and spaceborne. Advantages are providing regional views, repetitive monitoring, sensing a broad electromagnetic spectrum, and geo-referenced digital data. Digital image processing uses algorithms to process digital images for purposes like interpretation and machine perception. Geographic information systems integrate spatial and non-spatial data for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing and displaying geographically referenced information.
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