Chapter 2 — Question 1

What are advantages/disadvantages of aerial RS compared to spaceborne RS in terms of

atmospheric disturbance?

Answer

Please refer to Figure 2.6.

Advantages of Airborne remote sensors over space borne remote sensors:

1. Less distance through the atmosphere. Since the distance between the sen-

sor and the earth’s surface is shorter, there is less EM energy interactions
in the atmosphere that result in selective scattering and absorption.

2. Usually, airborne sensors sense below the clouds, thus avoiding non-selective

scattering.

3. Airborne Remote Sensing can be better controlled in the time of execution

(EO revisit time is dictated by orbit characteristics).

4. Usually, temporal resolution is better.

5. Airborne Remote Sensing provides better spatial resolution.

6. The sensor system is usually less expensive.

Disadvantages of Airborne remote sensors over space borne remote sensors:

1. less spatial coverage per unit time.

2. Less suitable for atmospheric applications.

3. Missions depend on the weather conditions.

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