Satellites make measurements indirectly by sensing electromagnetic radiation coming from the surfaces below. Because radiation can transport energy without a medium, it is the only way in which the earth interacts with the rest of the universe. Thus, electromagnetic radiation is the basis for remote sensing technology.
The capabilities and limitations of remote sensing technology are best understood by knowing the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum.

In this lesson you will learn:

• Basic properties of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS)
• How instruments sample selective sections of the EMS

Time requirement

This lesson will take about 1 hour to complete