Skip to main content

Discrete Detectors and Scanning mirrors Across the track scanner Whisk broom scanner.

Multispectral Imaging Using Discrete Detectors and Scanning Mirrors (Across-Track Scanner or Whisk Broom Scanner)

Multispectral Imaging: This technique involves capturing images of the Earth's surface using multiple sensors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. This allows for the identification of various features and materials based on their spectral signatures.

Discrete Detectors: These are individual sensors that are arranged in a linear or array configuration. Each detector is responsible for measuring the radiation within a specific wavelength band.

Scanning Mirrors: These are optical components that are used to deflect the incoming radiation onto the discrete detectors. By moving the mirrors, the sensor can scan across the scene, capturing data from different points.

Across-Track Scanner or Whisk Broom Scanner: This refers to the scanning mechanism where the mirror moves perpendicular to the direction of flight. This allows for the collection of data along a swath, covering a wide area on the ground.

Remote Sensing Terminologies

A. Rotating Mirror

  • Definition: A mechanical component in some satellite-based remote sensing systems that rotates to scan the Earth's surface. It directs sunlight onto a sensor, enabling the collection of data over a wide area.
  • Purpose: To increase the coverage area of the sensor, allowing for rapid data acquisition.

B. Internal Detectors

  • Definition: Sensors within a remote sensing instrument that convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical signals. These signals are then processed to produce images or data.
  • Purpose: To capture and measure the intensity of radiation reflected or emitted from the Earth's surface.

C. Instantaneous Field of View (IFOV)

  • Definition: The smallest area on the ground that can be resolved by a remote sensing sensor at a given time.
  • Purpose: To determine the spatial resolution of the sensor, indicating the level of detail it can capture.

D. Ground Resolution Cell Viewed (GRCV)

  • Definition: The area on the ground corresponding to the IFOV of a sensor at a specific altitude.
  • Purpose: To measure the size of the smallest distinguishable feature on the Earth's surface.

E. Angular Field of View (AFOV)

  • Definition: The angle between the extreme rays of the field of view of a sensor.
  • Purpose: To determine the extent of the area that can be observed by the sensor at a given distance.

F. Swath

  • Definition: The width of the area on the ground that a sensor can cover in a single pass.
  • Purpose: To measure the lateral coverage of the sensor, indicating the efficiency of data collection.

How it works:

  1. Radiation Collection: The scanning mirror deflects incoming radiation from the Earth's surface onto the array of discrete detectors.
  2. Spectral Separation: Each detector measures the radiation within its specific wavelength band, capturing information about different materials and features.
  3. Scanning: The scanning mirror moves across the scene, allowing the sensor to collect data from multiple points.
  4. Data Processing: The collected data is processed to create multispectral images that can be analyzed to identify and classify features based on their spectral signatures.

Key advantages of this approach:

  • High spatial resolution: Can capture detailed images of the Earth's surface.
  • Wide swath coverage: Can cover a large area in a single pass.
  • Versatility: Can be used for various remote sensing applications, such as land use mapping, vegetation monitoring, and mineral exploration.
Warm regards.
..
Vineesh V
AISHE and UGC Nodal Officer
Assistant Professor of Geography,
Government College Chittur, Palakkad
https://g.page/vineeshvc

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing

1. Principles Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing is based on the detection of naturally emitted electromagnetic radiation from objects, rather than reflected solar energy. According to Planck's Radiation Law , all objects with a temperature above absolute zero (0 K) emit electromagnetic radiation. For Earth surface features, the peak emission lies in the Thermal Infrared (TIR) region of 3–14 μm of the electromagnetic spectrum. The amount of radiation emitted is primarily a function of surface temperature and emissivity . Sensors measure the radiant energy flux density (W/m²) , which is later converted to surface temperature using Stefan-Boltzmann's Law . 2. Radiation Properties in TIR Emissivity (ε): Ratio of radiation emitted by a surface to that emitted by a perfect blackbody at the same temperature. Natural surfaces like water (ε ≈ 0.98) have high emissivity, while bare soils and metals have lower values. Blackbody: An idealized object th...

Atmospheric Window

The atmospheric window in remote sensing refers to specific wavelength ranges within the electromagnetic spectrum that can pass through the Earth's atmosphere relatively unimpeded. These windows are crucial for remote sensing applications because they allow us to observe the Earth's surface and atmosphere without significant interference from the atmosphere's constituents. Key facts and concepts about atmospheric windows: Visible and Near-Infrared (VNIR) window: This window encompasses wavelengths from approximately 0. 4 to 1. 0 micrometers. It is ideal for observing vegetation, water bodies, and land cover types. Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) window: This window covers wavelengths from approximately 1. 0 to 3. 0 micrometers. It is particularly useful for detecting minerals, water content, and vegetation health. Mid-Infrared (MIR) window: This window spans wavelengths from approximately 3. 0 to 8. 0 micrometers. It is valuable for identifying various materials, incl...

Regional Geography, Systematic Geography, Idiographic, Nomothetic, Inductive and Deductive Approaches

T wo major ways of studying Geography : the Regional Approach and the Systematic Approach . It also explains the related ideas of idiographic vs. nomothetic and inductive vs. deductive reasoning , especially in the context of the Hartshorne–Schaefer debate . 1. Regional Geography: “All About One” Regional Geography studies one particular region in detail . A region is an area that has some degree of homogeneity (sameness) within its boundary but is also unique or different from other regions . For example, if we study Palakkad District , we may study: Relief and drainage Climate Soil Vegetation Agriculture Population Occupation Economy Culture Political characteristics The purpose is to understand the complete geographical personality of Palakkad and the relationships among its different features. Key concepts Region: A geographical area with identifiable characteristics and boundaries. Homogeneity: Si...

Radar image. Polarization in Remote Sensing

L band radars operate on a wavelength of 15-30 cm and a frequency of 1-2 GHz. L band radars are mostly used for clear air turbulence studies. S band radars operate on a wavelength of 8-15 cm and a frequency of 2-4 GHz. Because of the wavelength and frequency, S band radars are not easily attenuated. . Polarization refers to the direction of travel of an electromagnetic wave vector's tip: vertical (up and down), horizontal (left to right), or  circular (rotating in a constant plane left or right). . a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for high-resolution imaging. a radar altimeter, to measure the ocean topography. echo amplitude a wind scatterometer to measure wind speed and direction. Other types of radars have been flown for Earth observation missions: precipitation radars such as the  Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, or cloud radars like the one used on Cloudsat. . RISAT-1 (SAR, ISRO India, 2012) RORSAT (SAR, Soviet Union, 1967-1988) Seasat (SAR, altimeter, scatterometer, US, 19...