Primary Source: Wikipedia: Remote Sensing


In the broadest sense, remote sensing is the measurement or acquisition of information of an object or phenomenon, by a recording device that is not in physical ontact with the object. It is the utilization at a distance (as from aircraft, spacecraft, satellite, or ship) of any device for gathering information about the environment. The technique can make use of devices such as a camera, laser, radar, sonar, seismograph or a gravimeter. Modern remote sensing normally includes digital processes but can as well be done with non-digital methods.

This kind of data collection normally makes use of the emitted or reflected electromagnetic radiation of the examined object in a certain frequency domain (infrared, visible light, microwaves). This is possible due to the fact that the examined objects (plants, houses, water surfaces, air masses, etc.) reflect or emit radiation in different wavelengths and in different intensity according to their current condition. Some remote sensing systems use sound waves in a similar way, and others measure variations in gravitational or magnetic fields.

Remote sensing includes the use of Terrestrial LiDAR (aka 3D laser scanning).

For more information on the technologies commonly employed in CyArk's Digital Preservation projects, see the Related Articles below.



References:
• Boehler, W., G. Heinz and Y. Scherer. "Using Satellite Images for Archaeological Documentation." International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol XXXIII, Part 5C1B, CIPA International Symposium (1997). 226-233.
• Boehler, W. and G. Heinz. "Documentation, Surveying, Photogrammetry." XVII CIPA International Symposium. Recife, Brazil, Proceedings (1999).
• Fowler, M.J.F. "High-Resolution Satellite Imagery in Archaeological Application: A Russian Satellite Photograph of teh Stonehenge Region." Antiquity, 70, 1996: 667-671.
• Pavlidis, L., C.S. Fraser and C. Ogleby. "The Application of High-Resolution Satellite Imagery for the Detection of Ancient Minoan Features on Crete." In Enter the Past: The E-way into the Four Dimensions of Cultural Heritage - CAA 2003, Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology. Borner, W., ed. Vienna, Austria: 2003.
• Wikipedia: Remote Sensing