This textbook is one of the first to explain the fundamentals and applications of remote sensing at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Topics include definitions and a brief history of payloads and platforms, data acquisition and specifications, image processing techniques, data integration and spatial modeling, and a range of applications covering terrestrial, atmospheric, oceanographic and planetary disciplines. The policy and law issues of remote sensing and the future trends on the horizon are also covered. Remote sensing is an exciting, dynamic technology that is transforming the Earth sciences – terrestrial, atmospheric, and marine – as well as the practices of agriculture, disaster response, engineering, natural resources, providing evidence in legal cases and documented humanitarian crises, and many other fields. Increasingly, understanding of these techniques will be central to a number of disciplines, particularly as the technology advances.

Proceedings of SPIE present the original research papers presented at SPIE conferences and other high-quality conferences in the broad-ranging fields of optics and photonics. These books provide prompt access to the latest innovations in research and technology in their respective fields. Proceedings of SPIE are among the most cited references in patent literature.

First observed by Galileo, Saturn lies in the distant reaches of the solar system; it is the sixth planet, a gaseous giant between Jupiter and Uranus. It takes its name from the mythological father of Jupiter and Roman god of agriculture. Because of the famous circle of rings Saturn is one of the most well-regarded occupants of the galaxy. Despite their continuous appearance from Earth, the rings are actually space dust and debris trapped by Saturn's gravitational pull, a fact garnered from several satellite passes and telescope observations. The origin of Saturn's rings, however, remains a mystery. Apart from the rings, we also are aware of its moon system, with the most intriguing planetoid called Titan, itself having been the subject of science fiction speculation as a home to life. Saturn has been visited by Pioneer 11 and the two Voyager probes, with Cassini slated to arrive in 2004. Our study of this most intriguing planet will continue into the foreseeable future, with the hopes of resolving the mysteries it hides. This book provides a thorough and interesting overview of Saturn, from its initial observation centuries ago to the contemporary satellite fly-bys. Anyone captivated by the mysteries of space and the wonders of Saturn needs to understand the background covered here. After the overview is a substantial and carefully selected set of abstracts of literature pertaining to Saturn, with easy access then given through author, title, and subject indexes.

Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images A thorough introduction to computer processing of remotely-sensed images, processing methods, and applications Remote sensing is a crucial form of measurement that allows for the gauging of an object or space without direct physical contact, allowing for the assessment and recording of a target under conditions which would normally render access difficult or impossible. This is done through the analysis and interpretation of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that is reflected or emitted by an object, surveyed and recorded by an observer or instrument that is not in contact with the target. This methodology is particularly of importance in Earth observation by remote sensing, wherein airborne or satellite-borne instruments of EMR provide data on the planet’s land, seas, ice, and atmosphere. This permits scientists to establish relationships between the measurements and the nature and distribution of phenomena on the Earth’s surface or within the atmosphere. Still relying on a visual and conceptual approach to the material, the fifth edition of this successful textbook provides students with methods of computer processing of remotely sensed data and introduces them to environmental applications which make use of remotely-sensed images. The new edition’s content has been rearranged to be more clearly focused on image processing methods and applications in remote sensing with new examples, including material on the Copernicus missions, microsatellites and recently launched SAR satellites, as well as time series analysis methods. The fifth edition of Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images also contains: A cohesive presentation of the fundamental components of Earth observation remote sensing that is easy to understand and highly digestible Largely non-technical language providing insights into more advanced topics that may be too difficult for a non-mathematician to understand Illustrations and example boxes throughout the book to illustrate concepts, as well as revised examples that reflect the latest information References and links to the most up-to-date online and open access sources used by students Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images is a highly insightful textbook for advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students taking courses in remote sensing and GIS in Geography, Geology, and Earth & Environmental Science departments.

Theoretical foundations of atmospheric remote sensing are electromagnetic theory, radiative transfer and inversion theory. This book provides an overview of these topics in a common context, compile the results of recent research, as well as fill the gaps, where needed. The following aspects are covered: principles of remote sensing, the atmospheric physics, foundations of the radiative transfer theory, electromagnetic absorption, scattering and propagation, review of computational techniques in radiative transfer, retrieval techniques as well as regularization principles of inversion theory. As such, the book provides a valuable resource for those who work with remote sensing data and want to get a broad view of theoretical foundations of atmospheric remote sensing. The book will be also useful for students and researchers working in such diverse fields like inverse problems, atmospheric physics, electromagnetic theory, and radiative transfer.