---
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entity_type: "chapter"
id: "66f154bee361cd99fe36da83"
title: "Introduction to Remote Sensing"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 11"
subject: "Geography"
book: "Practical Work in Geography"
chapter: "Introduction to Remote Sensing"
chapter_slug: "introduction-to-remote-sensing"
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last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Introduction to Remote Sensing
Remote sensing is defined as the total processes used to acquire and measure information about properties of objects and phenomena without physical contact with them. It utilizes recording devices (sensors) that respond to a wide range of radiations emitted or reflected by the objects, primarily starting from the early 1960s.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot
| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Book | Practical Work in Geography |
| Chapter | Introduction to Remote Sensing |
| Pages | 69-90 |

---

## Chapter Summary
### Short Summary
Remote sensing involves the processes of gathering information about objects and phenomena from a distance using sensors that detect electromagnetic energy.

### Detailed Summary
The chapter discusses the processes of remote sensing, starting from the source of energy to the detection and interpretation of data from sensors. Key aspects include the interaction of energy with earth's surface, the role of sensors, and the conversion of information into useful formats such as maps and digital images. The stages in remote sensing also include the transmission, detection, and modification of electromagnetic energy as it travels to sensors placed in orbit.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation
### Introduction to Remote Sensing
Remote sensing devices capture a broad range of electromagnetic waves emitted by surfaces above 0 Kelvin. The technology has advanced since its inception in the 1960s.

### Stages in Remote Sensing
Remote sensing involves eight stages from energy source to data conversion, including interaction with the earth's surface and sensor processing.

### Sensors
Sensors in remote sensing capture electromagnetic radiation and convert these signals into data formats; they are categorized into photographic and non-photographic sensors, with the latter including multispectral scanners.

### Sensor Resolutions
Remote sensing sensors are characterized by three types of resolutions: spatial, spectral, and radiometric, which dictate their ability to capture detailed information about the earth's surface.

### Data Products
Data products from remote sensing through photographic or digital means provide distinct representations of captured scenes, classified as photographic images or digital images.

### Interpretation of Satellite Imageries
Data interpretation from sensors relies on visual or digital methods, focusing on characteristics such as tone, texture, size, shape, shadow, pattern, and association of objects.

---

## Core Ideas
| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Remote Sensing Processes | Involves stages of acquiring and interpreting electromagnetic energy data for analysis of earth's features. |

---

## Key Concepts
| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) | Energy propagating through space or medium at light speed. |
| Sensor | Device collecting and converting EMR into usable data signals. |

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## Important Points for Revision
* Remote sensing does not require physical contact with subjects.
* The sun is a primary energy source for remote sensing.
* An image differs from a photograph based on its recording method.
* Multispectral scanners categorize sensors by data collection method.
* Spatial resolution allows differentiation of nearby object surfaces.
* Four types of photographic images are used in remote sensing.
* Digital images consist of pixels which contain intensity values.
* The atmospheric interaction can modify the properties of detected energy.
* Visual interpretation methods help identify and analyze objects in satellite images.

---

## Vocabulary and Glossary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Absorptance | Ratio of radiant energy absorbed to the energy received. |
| Digital Number (DN) | Intensity value of a pixel in a digital image. |
| Reflectance | Ratio of radiant energy reflected to the energy received. |

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## Practice Questions
### Short Answer Questions
1. What is remote sensing?
2. Describe the role of energy sources in remote sensing.
3. Explain the concept of spatial resolution.
4. What distinguishes digital images from photographs?
5. List the basic stages in remote sensing.

### Long Answer Questions
1. Describe the different types of sensors used in satellite remote sensing and their function.
2. Discuss the impact of atmospheric conditions on the data collected by remote sensing devices.
3. Explain the visual interpretation methods in detail and their significance in remote sensing.

---

## Related Concepts
* Electromagnetic Spectrum
* Image Interpretation
* Photographic and Digital Data Products

---

## Source Attribution
| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 66f154bee361cd99fe36da83 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-11-geography-practical-work-in-geography-introduction-to-remote-sensing |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-11-geography-practical-work-in-geography-introduction-to-remote-sensing.md |