Passive Remote Sensing: Historical and Technical Insights

This lecture covers the fundamentals of passive remote sensing, focusing on the measurement of reflected and emitted radiation. It begins with a historical overview of photographic imaging, detailing the components of a camera, including the lens, diaphragm, and film. The lecture explains the chemical processes involved in film development, leading to the creation of negative images. It then transitions to digital imaging, discussing the advantages of pixel-based analysis and the various types of digital sensors, such as framing cameras and pushbroom imagers. The importance of characterizing sensor sensitivity and the relationship between exposure, opacity, and density is emphasized. The lecture also explores color formation in images, the differences between black and white films, and the significance of spectral sensitivity. Finally, it addresses the geometric effects and distortions in aerial photography, highlighting the principles of stereoscopy and photogrammetry, which are essential for accurate spatial analysis.