What are the key concepts and components of remote sensing, including energy sources, sensor functions, and orbital types?

You're on a roll — here are the answers to your questions: 1. The first and most important requirement of remote sensing is the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the target being observed. 2. Key functions of sensors in remote sensing include detecting, measuring, and recording electromagnetic radiation that is reflected or emitted from the Earth's surface. They convert this energy into a measurable signal. 3. Active remote sensing uses its own source of electromagnetic energy. 4. Signals are generated in a remote sensing process when electromagnetic radiation (either naturally emitted/reflected or actively transmitted by the sensor) interacts with the Earth's surface features. This interaction (reflection, absorption, emission) modifies the radiation, and the sensor then detects and measures these changes, converting them into electrical signals for data capture. 5. Passive remote sensing relies on naturally available energy (e.g., sunlight) reflected or emitted from the Earth's surface, while active remote sensing provides its own energy source (e.g., radar, lidar) to illuminate the target and measure the reflected signal. 6. The two main types of orbits in remote sensing are: • Geostationary orbit: Satellites in this orbit remain fixed above a single point on the equator, orbiting at the same rate as the Earth's rotation. • Polar (or Sun-synchronous) orbit: Satellites in this orbit pass over the Earth's poles and maintain a constant relationship with the sun, imaging the Earth at the same local time each day. Got more? Send 'em!