Remote sensing -- principles and interpretation. Second Edition

The first chapter of the book summarizes the fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic radiation and the interactions of radiation with matter that are the basis of remote sensing. The vital concepts of spatial resolution and detection are explained using the eye as an example of remote sensing system. Each of the next five chapters describes one of the following remote sensing systems: aerial photographs, manned satellite images, Landsat, thermal infrared images, and radar images. For each system the following topics are covered: 1. Physical properties and electromagnetic interactions of the materials that control the imaging process. 2. Design and operation of the imaging system. 3. Characteristics of the images, including defects and geometric distortion that may distract or confuse the interpreter. 4. Guidelines and examples for interpreting images. There is a growing trend toward quantitative interpretation of images and toward the use of mathematical models to understand the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and materials. The text describes and illustrates these techniques and gives practical examples. A chapter on digital image processing describes computer techniques for restoring and enhancing images and for extracting information....