Computer processing of remotely-sensed images. An introduction / Компьютерная обработка изображений, полученных с помощью дистанционного зондирования. Введение

Environmental remote sensing is the measurement, from a distance, of the spectral features of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. These measurements are normally made by instruments carried by satellites or aircraft, and are used to infer the nature and characteristics of the land or sea surface, or of the atmosphere, at the time of observation. The successful application of remote sensing techniques to particular problems, whether they be geographical, geological, oceanographic or cartographic, requires knowledge and skills drawn from several areas of science. An understanding of the way in which remotely sensed data are acquired by a sensor mounted onboard an aircraft or satellite needs a basic knowledge of the physics involved, in particular environmental physics and optics. The use of remotely-sensed data, which are inherently digital, demands a degree of mathematical and statistical skill plus some familiarity with digital computers and their operation. A high level of competence in the field in which the remotely-sensed data are to be used is essential if full use of the information contained in those data is to be made. The term ‘remote-sensing specialist’ is thus, apparently, a contradiction in terms for a remote-sensing scientist must possess a broad range of expertise across a variety of disciplines. While it is, of course, possible to specialise in some particular aspect of remote sensing, it is difficult to cut oneself off from the essential multidisciplinary nature of the subject <...>