Faculty of Engineering

Alexandria University
Department of Architecture

Introduction to Remote Sensing

and Earth Observation - URD716
E L EC T RO M AG N E T I C R A D I AT I O N
Fall 2022

HANY AYAD | Professor

Co-funded by the Lecture DINA SAADALLAH | Associate Professor

2
Erasmus+ Programme
Of the European Union
MANAR TALAL | Assistant Lecturer
SARAH ABOUGENDIA | Assistant Lecturer
ESRAA ABDELGAWAD | Teaching Assistant
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
a) Energy Source or Illumination

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
The first requirement for remote sensing is to have an energy source which
illuminates or provides electromagnetic energy to the target of interest.

Based on www.nrcan.gc.ca , Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Solar reflected energy and earth

l
emitted energy

Introduction to Remote Sensing

The energy Earth receives from the sun
is called electromagnetic radiation.

That radiation is reflected, absorbed,

and emitted by the Earth's atmosphere
or surface, as shown by the figure.

Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Sources of Electromagnetic energy

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
2 Reflection of short
wavelength radiation

1 Transmission of
radiation at the
speed of light, c
(Jansen, 2007)
3 Emission of long
wavelength radiation

Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Why is the sky blue? Why it turns reddish near sunset?

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Why does vegetation look green?

Based on www.nrcan.gc.ca
Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
The electromagnetic Spectrum
• Electromagnetic energy travels as sinusoidal waves.

l
• Waves are characterized by two fields: E and M.

Introduction to Remote Sensing

• The two fields vibrate perpendicularly to each other and to the
direction of travel (propagation).

• The speed of electromagnetic energy (c)

is constant at 299,792 kilometers (km) Wavelength and cycle
per second.
• Frequency (v) and wavelength (λ) are
related: C= λ * v

Frequency is the number of cycles passing

a fixed point per second.
• Frequency is inversely proportional to
wavelength (C is constant)
• Unit: hertz (Hz) Electro-magnetic (EM) energy
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Major Divisions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Major Divisions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

l
The Ultraviolet Spectrum

Introduction to Remote Sensing

• UV light has a shorter wavelength than visible light.
• Near ultraviolet radiation is known for its ability to induce
fluorescence, emission of visible radiation, in some
materials;
• it has significance for a specialized form of remote sensing.
• ultraviolet radiation is easily scattered by the Earth’s
atmosphere, so it is not generally used for remote sensing
of Earth materials.
• Most UV-A does reach the surface, but UV-A does little
genetic damage to tissues.
• UV-B is largely responsible for sunburn and skin cancer, Blacklights such as this emit invisible ultraviolet (UV) "light" as well as the
purple light that you can see.
though it is mostly absorbed by ozone before reaching the Public domain from Wikimedia Commons

surface. Black lights are employed for decorative and artistic lighting effects, diagnostic and
therapeutic uses in medicine,[3] the detection of substances tagged with fluorescent
• Levels of UV-B radiation at the surface are especially dyes, rock-hunting, the detection of counterfeit money, the curing of plastic resins,
attracting insects[4] and the detection of refrigerant leaks affecting refrigerators and air
sensitive to the amount of ozone in the stratosphere. conditioning systems.

Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Major Divisions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
The Visible Spectrum

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
• Although the visible spectrum constitutes a very
small portion of the spectrum, it has obvious
significance in remote sensing.
• additive primaries, defined approximately from
0.4 to 0.5 μm (blue), 0.5 to 0.6 μm (green), and
0.6 to 0.7 μm (red)
• additive primaries combine to form white light.
• The color of an object is defined by the color of
the light that it reflects. Thus a “blue” object is
“blue” because it reflects blue light.

Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Major Divisions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

l
The Infrared Spectrum

Introduction to Remote Sensing

• Very large segment relative to the visible region,
extends from 0.72 to 15 μm—making it more than
40 times as wide as the visible light spectrum.
• remote sensing in the near infrared region can use
films, filters, and cameras with designs similar to
those intended for use with visible light.
• near infrared radiation is essentially solar radiation
reflected from the Earth’s surface,
• far infrared radiation is emitted by the Earth. It
consists of “thermal energy.”

Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Major Divisions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Microwave Energy

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
• The longest wavelengths commonly used in
remote sensing are those from about 1 mm
to 1 μm in wavelength.
• The shortest wavelengths in this range have
much in common with the thermal energy of
the far infrared.
• The longer wavelengths of the microwave
region merge into the radio wavelengths used
for commercial broadcasts.

Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Electromagnetic Interactions (atmosphere, earth surface)

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
The intensity of reflected and emitted
radiation is influenced by the surface and
atmospheric conditions.

Satellite measurements contain information

about the surface and atmospheric
conditions.

Type of surfaces:
Trees, water, grass, bare soil, pavement, or
built-up area. Image: sambusgeospatial.com

Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
a) Interaction with the Atmosphere

l
As the energy travels from its source to the target, it will come in contact with
and interact with the atmosphere it passes through. This interaction may take

Introduction to Remote Sensing

place a second time as the energy travels from the target to the sensor.

b) Interaction with Surfaces

Once the energy makes its way to the target through the atmosphere, it
interacts with the target depending on the properties of both the target and the
radiation.

Image: cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net

Based on www.nrcan.gc.ca , Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
I n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e At m o s p h e r e

l
• low-flying aircraft sensors vs. satellite

Introduction to Remote Sensing

sensors
• the practice of remote sensing requires
knowledge of interactions of
electromagnetic energy with the
atmosphere

Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
I n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e At m o s p h e r e
• In cities we often are acutely aware of the visual effects of

l
dust, smoke, haze, and other atmospheric impurities due to

Introduction to Remote Sensing

their high concentrations.
• even in clear air, visual effects of the atmosphere are
numerous, although so commonplace that we may not
recognize their significance.

• In both settings, as solar energy passes through the Earth’s

atmosphere, it is subject to modification by several physical
processes, including (1) scattering, (2) absorption,
• and (3) refraction.

SCATTERING REFRACTION ABSORPTION

Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

 Electromagnetic Radiation
SCATTERING

URD716
I n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e At m o s p h e r e

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Scattering
Particles or gas molecules in the atmosphere cause
photons to change their direction. The amount of
photons remains unchanged.

Based on ITC and Lund University course materials

 Electromagnetic Radiation
SCATTERING

URD716
I n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e At m o s p h e r e

l
1. Rayleigh scattering

Introduction to Remote Sensing

Example: Blurring effect of (blue) sky light

The shorter wavelengths of TM-1 (blue) and 2

(green) are scattered more than the longer
wavelength of TM-4 and 5 (NIR).

Based on ITC and Lund University course materials

 Electromagnetic Radiation
SCATTERING

URD716
I n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e At m o s p h e r e
3. Non-selective scattering
Example: The shadow of clouds

l
• particles that are much larger than the wavelength of

Introduction to Remote Sensing

2. Mie scattering the scattered radiation.
• For radiation in and near the visible spectrum, such
Example: Smoke or dust particles might be larger water droplets or large
• Mie scattering have diameters that are roughly particles of airborne dust.
equivalent to the wavelength of the scattered
radiation.
• Mie scattering can influence a broad range of
wavelengths in and near the visible spectrum

Based on ITC and Lund University course materials

 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
I n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e At m o s p h e r e
REFRACTION

l
REFRACTION

Introduction to Remote Sensing

• bending of light rays at the contact area between two media
that transmit light.
• lenses of cameras or magnifying glasses
• displacement of objects submerged in clear water.
• as light passes through atmospheric layers of varied clarity,
humidity, and temperature.
• the shimmering appearances on hot summer days of objects
viewed in the distance as light passes through hot air
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
I n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e At m o s p h e r e
Absorption

l
occurs when the atmosphere prevents, or strongly

Introduction to Remote Sensing

attenuates, transmission of radiation or its energy
through the atmosphere.

Three gases are responsible:

• Ozone (O3) plays an important role in the Earth’s
energy balance. Absorption of the high energy,
short-wavelength portions of the ultraviolet
spectrum.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) mainly in the lower
atmosphere. it is effective in absorbing radiation in
the mid and far infrared regions of the spectrum.
• water vapor (H2O) mainly in the lower atmosphere.
the role of atmospheric water vapor, unlike those
of ozone and carbon dioxide, varies greatly with
time and location.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
I n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e At m o s p h e r e
The atmospheric window

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing
• Earth’s atmosphere is not completely
transparent to electromagnetic
radiation
• It selectively transmits energy of
certain wavelengths;
• those wavelengths that are relatively
easily transmitted through the
atmosphere are referred to as
atmospheric windows
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
a) Radiation and the Atmosphere

l
As the energy travels from its source to the target, it will come in contact with
and interact with the atmosphere it passes through. This interaction may take

Introduction to Remote Sensing

place a second time as the energy travels from the target to the sensor.

b) Interaction with the Target

Once the energy makes its way to the target through the atmosphere, it
interacts with the target depending on the properties of both the target and the
radiation.

Image: cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net

Based on www.nrcan.gc.ca , Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2011). Introduction to remote sensing. Guilford Press.
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Interaction with Surfaces

Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and hits a target surface such as

l
1 a forest, water, or built-up area. Different materials reflect, emit, and absorb at

Introduction to Remote Sensing

different wavelengths.

3 4

5
Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Interaction with Surfaces
Types of interactions between EM and

l
objects

Introduction to Remote Sensing

1. Scattering
2. Absorption: Radiation absorbed by target (will
be re-emitted at longer wavelength)
3. Transmission: Radiation passes through target
4. Reflection: Radiation bounces of target

Based on ITC and Lund University course materials

 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Interaction with Surfaces

Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and hits a target surface such as a forest, water, or built-up

l
area. Different materials reflect, emit, and absorb at different wavelengths.

Introduction to Remote Sensing

Grass and Crops
1 Incident Solar Radiation 4 Grass, crops and bare soil reflect different
Radiation is emitted from the sun
types of radiation to a satellite’s sensors.

Forests and Trees Pavement and Buildings

2 Vegetation reflects certain wavelengths of 5 Pavement and buildings reflect different
solar radiation back to a satellite’s sensor. wavelengths of light than natural materials.

Water Reflected Solar Radiation

3 Water reflects radiation mostly in the 6 The satellite sensors are detecting
blue-green spectrum. reflected radiation from the sun.
Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Reflected radiation (reflectance) tells us about the surface

l
composition.

Introduction to Remote Sensing

Spectral Signature

Different materials reflect and absorb

different wavelengths of electromagnetic
radiation.

Spectral signature (In the graph)

compares the relationship between
percent reflectance and the reflective
wavelengths of different components of
the Earth’s surface.

Emitted radiation allows us to derive the surface

temperature (Inverting Plank’s law)
Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)
And ITC and Lund University course materials
 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Interaction with Surfaces

Ve g e t a t i o n

l
Healthy vegetation absorbs blue and red wavelengths but reflects green and infrared.

Introduction to Remote Sensing

Since we can't see infrared radiation, we see healthy vegetation as green.

Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

 Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
Interaction with Surfaces
Wa t e r

l
Longer visible wavelengths (green and red) and near-IR radiation are absorbed more by water than
shorter visible wavelengths (blue) – so water usually looks blue or blue-green.

Introduction to Remote Sensing

The water will appear brighter if there is sediment in the upper layers of the water.

Based on AREST (NASA’S APPLIED REMOTE SENSING TRAINING PROGRAM)

Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
3 Models for remote sensing

l
(Reflected sunlight, earth’s energy and active sensors’ energy)

Introduction to Remote Sensing

Electromagnetic Radiation

URD716
3 Models for remote sensing

l
Introduction to Remote Sensing