The major advantage of satellite observation over other methods is the rapidity with which data can be gathered on a global scale. For example, the World Ocean can be observed once every 9 days by satellite. This timescale is short enough to be able to 'freeze' details of ocean movement. Such data is unachievable using traditional ship borne methods. Follow some of the links below to find out more about satellite oceanography.
Satellites observe Earth systems from orbit.
There are a number of different orbit types. One, the geostationary orbit, allows a satellite to continually observe the same section of the Earths surface. A polar orbit allows observation of the whole of the Earths surface. Satellite orbits are tailored to maximise observation times of the areas of interest. Use the links below and a web search to find out more about orbit types.