Remote sensing is the scanning of the earth by satellite or high-flying aircraft in order to obtain information about objects or areas from a distance.
In remote sensing, sensors are used to collect data and imagery. These sensors can be on satellites or mounted in aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Sensors can
- map out elevation of an area (lidar),
- penetrate through cloud cover (radar) and
- observe features and activity on the earth’s surface (optical).
Remote sensing has a wide range of applications for Mine Action. With the use of UAV’s or satellites, field teams can obtain current imagery of an area and assess the situation of an area remotely before going out in the field. Such imagery can also be used to assist in field data collection, providing an accurate representation of a contaminated area and up to date field maps.
Data from remote sensing is also valuable for use in spatial analysis, providing data and information to further understand the situation of an area.