Remote sensing

Remote sensing is the science and art of acquiring information about the Earths surface without actually being in contact with it. This is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and applying that information.

The acquisition and processing of information about a distant object or phenomenon without any physical contact; often done from satellites.

Remote Sensing also refers to the science of garnering data/information based on some property (temporal, spectral and spatial) which concerns areas, objects or even a phenomenon.

In another words remote sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with the object, areas or phenomeon being investigated. Remote sensing is done by electromagnetic energy sensors that are currently being operated from airborne and spaceborne platforms to assist in inventorying, mapping and monitoring earth resources. These sensor acquire data on the way various earth surface features emit and reflect electromagnetic energy, and these data are analysed to provide information about the resources under investigation.

Interestingly, the recording devices would not be coming into physical contact with the things under surveillance (objects or area or phenomenon).