Remote Sensing and GIS
About the BookThis book begins with the fundamentals of remote sensing and GIS. As readers go through the chapters of this book, they will learn how remote sensing and GIS can be applied for studying the land, sea, air, and biotic communities that comprise our planet's environment.The first part of this book describes the role of space science and technology for using remote sensing to monitor planetary bodies; while the second part demonstrates the role of information technology to monitor and to manage earth resources by means of GIS. Not only will readers gain an insight into the applications of remote sensing imagery, they will also develop skills in interpreting these visual displays and data sets by direct inspection and by computer processing. This book provides a clear idea of how remote sensing and GIS can be used to analyse the data and to solve complex management problems. Students will also be able to apply this newly acquired knowledge by doing their own analysis using the software provided in the CD accompanying the book.Each chapter in the book commences with an introduction, which briefly outlines the topics covered in the chapter, and ends with exercises which help the students to assess their comprehension of the subject matter studied in the chapter. The chapters also contain numerous black and white and colour illustrations that complement the text. The primary purpose of this book is to be a learning resource for college and university students, as well as for individuals now in the industry who require indoctrination in the basics of remote sensing and GIS. It is hoped that this survey of environmental remote sensing and GIS will attract and inspire a few individuals who might consider a specialized career in this field or in the broader fields allied with Earth System Science (ESS) and the environment.Content and CoverageThe book is divided into two parts and comprises 20 chapters and two appendices. Part 1 comprises Chapter 1 through 12 that explain remote sensing techniques, its history, ground truth, photogrammetry, visual and digital analysis, remote sensing applications and its 'multi' approaches. This part concentrates principally upon Indian remote sensing satellites, LANDSAT, and where appropriate on SPOT, but also draws upon a variety of sensors operating from land and sea satellites launched by various government and private industries. Most of these observe in the visible, reflective infrared and microwave spectral intervals, but images from several thermal systems are also included as examples of common space data sets. Part 2 comprises Chapters 13 through 20 that explain the basics of GIS, spatial and attribute data model, the process of GIS, analysis of geospatial data, planning/implementation/management of GIS and the modern trends of GIS.The chapterwise details of the text are as follows:Chapter 1 covers the basic concepts of remote sensing, brief outline of remote sensing process and fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation. Chapter 2 provides an in-depth explanation of sensor resolutions, geometry, and orbital characteristics.  Chapter 3 talks about the developmental history of remote sensing and the Indian space program. Chapter 4 deals with the photographic imaging techniques and allied matters such as camera, filter, and film.  Chapter 5 describes digital imaging techniques in the ultraviolet through infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum with detail of related sensors.  Chapter 6 introduces microwave remote sensing and related matters.  Chapter 7 describes ground truth data and GPS in detail.  Chapter 8 discusses principles of modern photogrammetric techniques in detail. Chapters  9, 10 and 11 deal with visual and computer based analysis techniques of optical, thermal, and microwave remote sensing products combined with ancillary data.  Chapter 12 describes the applications of remote sensing. It has been tried to accomplish this by presenting a very large number of remote sensing products as images which are described in a running text that explains their characteristics and utility.Chapters 13 and 14 describe the basic concepts of GIS, its functions and advantages over other systems like CADD, conventional DBMS, AM/FM, or other mapping systems.  Chapter 15 covers spatial data model in detail. Chapter 16 provides a clear understanding of attribute data model and its management with a detailed discussion on metadata. Chapter 17 sketches the entire process to be followed to prepare a GIS. Chapter 18 covers some geospatial analysis techniques in a very structured manner with appropriate examples and illustrations. Chapter 19 explains how to plan, implement, and manage GI systems. Chapter 20 highlights the modern and future trends of GIS which will essentially impress upon the reader the power and reach of geospatial technology.Appendices are given at the end of the book. Appendix A focuses on the basic concepts of map, coordinate system, and projection. Appendix B comprises the mathematical topics required to understand digital image processing. These will help the beginners to understand geospatial technology better.A very rich glossary and bibliography at the end are for the benefit of the students.(added by author)--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.