1. Danielle Gavin
Research Paper #1
Remote Sensing: Variables and Applications
April 18,2016

2. Glaciers all over the world are melting, causing an over abundance of water
and a lack of possibility to plan for future water consumption. In Tian Shan, the
main glaciated region of Eurasia, six studied glaciers are experiencing terminus
retreat due to climatic warming (Puyu, 2). The solution to this problem and others
like it is surveying using remote sensing to create models in order to help predict
future happenings. Remote sensing is defined as the scanning of the earth by
satellite or high-flying aircraft to obtain information about it. Scanning and imaging
the earth’s surface or oceans can be used to collect information that will benefit
humans in diverse ways. There are many different variables involved with remote
sensing and its abilities as well as applications of its use.
There are two different types of remote sensing, active systems and passive
systems. When there is no source of light the sensor, satellite or airplane,
illuminates the portion of land being imaged. For a system to be passive, a natural
source provides the light for the sensor. The wavelengths and infrared from both
may fall into a single portion of the electromagnetic spectrum or scatter among it.
The radiation can be censored through different beacons such as cameras, scanners,
and radars. These beacons will radiate on the object/land, which will absorb the
radiation, transmit it or reflect it back to beacon. In the cases of surveying remote
sensing, it is most beneficial for radiation to be reflected back.
To collect the data of remote sensing from the different beacons,
electromagnetic energy must be detected through either photographs or images.
There is a swift difference between photographs and digital images in remote
sensing. Photographs are images that have been detected and recorded specifically

3. on photographic film. (El-Khoury, 4) Digital images are photographs displayed
electronically in pixels and differences in in brightness. All photographs are images
but all images are not photographs. Unless the remote sensing data has been
recorded and printed on photographic paper, it is an image. Data can only be
recorded either electronically or photographically.
Illustration of remote sensing principles(Liew, 2)
Remote sensing and the information concluded from it can be applied in
many different ways. Hazard assessment after a storm is crucial into understanding
how future storms will act and what kind of damage has been caused. The Tian
Shan glaciers are melting, as mentioned in the introduction, and remote sensing is
allowing for the analysis of the rate in which the size of them is decreasing. Creating
current, more accurate topographical maps is possible using this technology to
image the surface of the earth and adapt it into maps through CAD programs. Lastly,
agriculture can be monitored in order to boost production of crops and animals.

4. The uses of remote sensing are endless and the capabilities will continue to grow. It
is important to constantly adapt this technology in order to create more
applications.
In order to continue applying the science of remote sensing, it is imperative
that the technology is constantly advancing. Remote sensing is a complex science
with different effecting variables that allow people to use the benefits of aerial
surveying. New applications are being created daily and the technology continues
to adapt which gives this spectrum of science plenty of room to grow and prosper.

5. Bibliography
El-Khoury, D. Lichaa. "Use of Remote Sensing in Natural Resource Management." Use
of Remote Sensing. American University of Beirut, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
Liew, Dr. S. C. "Principles of Remote Sensing - Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing
and Processing, CRISP." Principles of Remote Sensing - Centre for Remote
Imaging, Sensing and Processing, CRISP. Center for Remote Imaging, Sensing
and Processing, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
Puyu, Wang, Li Zhongqin, Wang Wenbin, Li Huilin, Zhou Ping, and Jin Shuang.
"Changes of Six Selected Glaciers in the Tomor Region, Tian Shan, Central
Asia, over the past ∼50 Years, Using High-resolution Remote Sensing Images
and Field Surveying." Quaternary International 311 (2013): 123-31. Web.