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Ancillary Atmospheric and Map Reading Skills

The electromagnetic spectrum, which includes all types of electromagnetic radiation from radio waves to gamma rays, plays a crucial role in remote sensing. Understanding how different wavelengths interact with the atmosphere and the Earth's surface allows scientists to gather data about the environment, weather, and other phenomena.

Figures (8)

Comparison of geostationary Earth orbit with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Compass (medium Earth orbit) satellite navigation system orbits with the International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope and Iridium constellation orbits, and the nominal size of the Earth.[a] The Moon's orbit is around 9 times larger (in radius and length) than geostationary orbit.[b]
Two geostationary satellites in the same orbit
A 5° × 6° view of a part of the geostationary belt, showing several geostationary satellites. Those with inclination 0° form a diagonal belt across the image; a few objects with small inclinations to the Equator are visible above this line. The satellites are pinpoint, while stars have created star trails due to Earth's rotation.
Syncom 2, the first geosynchronous satellite
Service areas of satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS).[20]
A computer-generated image from 2005 showing the distribution of mostly space debris in geocentric orbit with two areas of concentration: geostationary orbit and low Earth orbit.

This includes knowing the electromagnetic spectrum, which is the full range of electromagnetic radiation from radio waves to gamma rays. Each type of radiation has different wavelengths and frequencies, and these properties determine how they interact with the atmosphere and Earth's surface. For example, radio waves can pass through the atmosphere easily, while gamma rays are absorbed and can cause chemical reactions.

Students should picture the electromagnetic spectrum as a continuous range of radiation types, each with unique properties and uses. Knowing the terms like wavelength, frequency, and photon energy is essential, as these describe the characteristics of electromagnetic waves. By studying how different parts of the spectrum behave, students can better understand remote sensing and how data is collected and analyzed.

Students should focus on how each part of the spectrum is used in real-world applications, such as weather monitoring, communication, and environmental studies. Understanding these concepts allows students to grasp the underlying science of remote sensing and how it contributes to various fields of study and practical applications.

Key Points

  • The electromagnetic spectrum is the full range of electromagnetic radiation, organized by frequency or wavelength.
  • Wien's displacement law states that the black-body radiation curve for different temperatures will peak at different wavelengths that are inversely proportional to the temperature.
  • The Stefan–Boltzmann law states that the total energy radiated per unit surface area per unit time by an ideal absorber/emitter or black body is directly proportional to the fourth power of the black body's temperature.

Terms

Tap a term for a plain-language explanation.

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