Remote Sensing technology has changed the way we see the world. Literally! In past 2 decades, the advancements in imaging and data accumulation has radically evolved the process of remote sensing.

Remote Sensing technology has changed the way we see the world. Literally! In past 2 decades, the advancements in imaging and data accumulation has radically evolved the process of remote sensing. Its basically a process of collection of information relating to objects without being in physical contact with them. To put it in simpler words, our eyes and ears are our remote sensors which do not physically come in contact with any object, but transmit information nonetheless. Same concept is applicable for cameras and microphones in the remote sensing technology. The process involves an interaction between incident radiation and the targets of interest. Remote sensing is an increasingly expanding domain of technology that is attracting a large horde of individuals. Companies like Google have propelled the field to a whole new extent. The demand for geoinformatics experts is getting higher and higher with time. As a result of that, Masters programs like M Tech in remote sensing are offered to the students who wish to claim a bright career in the field. This article sheds some light on the topic and discusses its merits.

Mainly remote sensing is classified in Passive remote sensing and Active remote sensing.

Passive Remote Sensing:
In this type of sensing, passive sensors detect the radiation that is emitted naturally or reflected by the object being observed. Reflected sunlight is the most common source of radiation measured by passive sensors. Film photography, infrared, and radiometers are some of the examples of passive sensors.

Active Remote Sensing:
In Active remote sensing, energy is emitted in order to scan objects and areas while the sensor detects and measures the radiation that is reflected off the target. Most commonly known application of active remote sensing is RADAR. A RADAR measures the time delay between emission and return and establishes the location, height, speeds and direction of an object. For a successful remote sensing activities, there are certain aspects are prerequisites. Education programs like MSC in remote sensing discuss the several factors about remote sensing application in detail. In this article, we will look at below listed factors which play a crucial role in the process.

1. An Illumination source:
For a fruitful remote sensing, it is necessary to have an energy source which illuminates or provides electromagnetic energy to the target of interest.

2.Radiation and the Atmosphere: Energy travels from its source to the target and comes in contact with & interact with the atmosphere it passes through. The same interaction is repeated as the second surge of energy travels from source to the target.

3.Sensor - Post energy emission from the target, a sensor is required to collect and record the electromagnetic radiation. After that the transmission, Reception, and Processing of the energy is recorded by the sensor has to be transmitted.

The aforementioned constituents are just the tip of the ice-berg called Geoinformatics. Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics (SIG) is among the few premier education institutes in India which offer comprehensive learning to students.