Manual of Remote Sensing: Earth Observing Platforms & Sensors

This volume of the Manual of Remote Sensing series, Volume 1.1: Earth Observing Platforms Sensors, updates the previous CD-ROM database of sensors and platforms with an interactive online database and adds chapters of context for major families of sensors and platforms. The intent of this volume is to enable all who have an interest in remote sensing -- from student to researcher to practitioner -- to see what the possibilities are, how the field has developed and where it is going. The past several years have witnessed proliferation of the use and awareness of remotely sensed imagery in research fields not traditionally concerned with geospatial technologies and by the general public for an ever-expanding variety of tasks. The chapters of this volume do not seek to address all possible uses for remotely sensed data. The goal is to provide a starting point for anyone searching for a greater understanding of what has, can and may be done using remote sensors for Earth observation. Following a brief history of key developments in remote sensing and related technologies, the chapters introduce the reader to the basics of the broad sensor families and types and conclude with chapters on the related in situ sensors and a look at the future of spaceborne remote sensing. Table of Contents 1. Timeline of Key Developments in Platforms and Sensors for Earth Observations 2. Basics of Remote Sensing Systems 3. Thermal Remote Sensing: Theory, Sensors, and Applications 4. Terrestrial Laser Ranging: Current Capabilities and Future Directions 5. Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Sensors and Applications Microwave Sensors Active and Passive 7. Space-Based Platforms and Sensors 8. In situ Sensors and Field Methods 9. The Current Status and Future Direction of Spaceborne Remote Sensing Platforms and Imaging Systems