Geo-Spatial Intelligence

          Understanding the basic concepts of remote sensing is crucial in regards to learning how this process forms the foundation of geo-spatial intelligence operations. Starting from the very beginning, remote sensing is most commonly referred to as a process, in which we are observing something from a distance (USGS, 2014). Since the beginning of its first implementation, remote sensing has constantly been evolving as technology became a more integral part of our society. From its earliest use as a camera attached to a weather balloon, up to our modern day use of satellites as a platform to retrieve remote sensed data. We are constantly striving to evolve the process of remote sensing to ensure that we can have the most accurate imagery produce in order to analyze growing trends within our world, regardless of the subject matter.

          So, how does this process actually work? It is important to understand how important of a role the electromagnetic spectrum plays in both understanding and implementing the remote sensing process. Looking at figure 1, we can see a chart displaying all the values and wavelengths found within the electromagnetic spectrum.  The EM Spectrum is derived from light produced by the sun, which is the main source of energy for any passive system in remote sensing. It should be noted that there are also active remote sensing platforms that will create their own source of light in order to create an image of a specified area. But for the most part, in the modern field of remote sensing today, the bulk of the products being produced comes from the energy provided by the sun. As noted by figure 1, the EM spectrum is composed of various wave lengths including X-Ray, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, and Microwave.