Vineesh V, Geography

LiDAR Remote Sensing: A Primer LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser beam to measure ranges to the Earth's surface and various objects. This technology is incredibly versatile and has applications in a wide range of fields, including: Cartography and mapping: Creating highly accurate 3D maps of the Earth's surface, including topography, vegetation, and buildings. Forestry: Measuring forest height, density, and biomass. Geology: Studying geological formations and identifying potential natural hazards. Archaeology: Discovering and mapping ancient sites. Environmental monitoring: Assessing changes in land cover, coastal erosion, and climate-related impacts. Key Terminologies and Concepts Laser: A device that emits an intense beam of coherent light. LiDAR systems use lasers to emit pulses of light. Pulse: A short burst of laser energy. Time of Flight: The time it takes for a laser pulse to

What is SAR? Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a type of active remote sensing technology that uses microwave radiation to image the Earth's surface. Unlike passive sensors that rely on sunlight, SAR generates its own signal, making it capable of capturing images day and night, regardless of weather conditions. Key Concepts and Terminology: Microwaves: Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths longer than infrared but shorter than radio waves. SAR typically uses microwaves because they can penetrate clouds, vegetation, and some materials, providing valuable information about the Earth's surface. Active Sensing: A technique where the sensor emits its own signal and records the reflected energy. SAR is an active sensor. Backscatter: The energy that is reflected back to the radar sensor after interacting with the Earth's surface. The strength and phase of the backscattered signal depend on the properties of the target, such as its surface roughness, moisture conte