Lecture#03 P1

Dated :05/11/12

Subject: Database Management Information System & Applications of Remote sensing and GIS
Topics

Characteristics of Electromagnetic radiation Wavelength regions of electro-magnetic radiation

Presented by
Rehana Jamal
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Characteristics of Electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic Energy can be modelled in two ways i. By waves ii. By Photons(Energy bearing particles)
Electromagnetic waves consist of a combination of oscillating electrical and magnetic fields, perpendicular to each other.

Characteristics of Electromagnetic radiation

It can travel through empty space. The speed of light is constant in space. A wavelength: Distance between crests or troughs through visible light Velocity: 186,000 miles per second or300,000 kilometers per second or 299,790,000m/s or 3*108 m/s Amplitude: The amplitude of electromagnetic waves relates to its intensity or brightness(as in the case of visible light)

Frequency: The number of crests of the waves that pass by a point per second. Measured in units of hertz(Hz) 1 hertz = 1 wave crest/second

/ Crest

Velocity of light, c

Relation between the speed of light (c), wavelength ( ), and frequency (f or V ):

or

V = c/

Thus, there is an inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency 5

Relation between the speed of light (c), wavelength ( ), and frequency (f or V ):

Thus (frequency [f/V] * wavelength[lambda]) is equal to a constant (c)

Sources of electromagnetic radiation

Sources of long wavelengths Sources of visible light Sources of short wavelength Detectors of electromagnetic radiation

Note the trends: bluer light has shorter wavelength, higher frequency, and
more energy. Redder light has longer wavelength, lower frequency, and less energy.

The unit of length chosen to describe a particular wavelength is typically dependent on the type of electromagnetic radiation

Unit

Symbol

Length (m)

Type of Radiation

Angstrom Nanometer Micrometer

nm m

10-10 10-9 10-6

X-ray UV, visible Infrared

Millimeter Centimeter
Meter

mm cm
m

10-3 10-2
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Infrared Microwave
TV, radio

Types of Energy Resources

In respect to the type of Energy Resources: Passive Remote Sensing: Makes use of sensors that detect the reflected or emitted electro-magnetic radiation from natural sources. Active remote Sensing: Makes use of sensors that detect reflected responses from objects that are irradiated from artificially-generated energy sources, such as radar. In respect to Wavelength Regions: Visible and Reflective Infrared Remote Sensing. Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing. Microwave Remote Sensing.

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In respect to the type of Energy Resources Passive Remote Sensing

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In respect to the type of Energy Resources Passive Remote Sensing

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In respect to the type of Energy Resources: Active Passive remote Sensing

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Wavelength regions of electro-magnetic radiation

Electro-Magnetic Spectrum (EMS)

Remote Sensing Technology makes use of the wide range of Electro-Magnetic Spectrum (EMS) from a very short wave "Gamma Ray" to a very long 'Radio Wave'. Wavelength regions of electro-magnetic radiation have different names ranging from Gamma ray, X-ray, Ultraviolet (UV), Visible light, Infrared (IR) to Radio Wave, in order from the shorter wavelengths to the longer wavelengths.

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Electromagnetic spectrum
Definition: The range of wavelengths for electromagnetic waves-from the very long to the very short--is called the Electromagnetic Spectrum. It includes following wavelengths bands:

Radio and TV waves are the longest usable waves, having a wavelength of 1 mile (1.5 kilometer) or more. Microwaves are used in telecommunication as well as for cooking food. Infrared waves are barely visible. They are the deep red rays you get from a heat lamp. Visible light waves are the radiation you can see with your eyes. Their wavelengths are in the range of 1/1000 centimeter. Ultraviolet rays are what give you sunburn and are used in "black lights" that make object glow. X-rays go through the body and are used for medical purposes. Gamma rays are dangerous rays coming from nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. They have the shortest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum of about 1/10,000,000 centimeter.
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Name

Wavelength(mm)

Optical wavelength Reflective portion (i) Visible (ii) Near IR (iii) Middle IR Far IR (Thermal, Emissive)

0.30-15.0 0.38-3.00 0.38-0.72 0.72-1.30 1.30-3.00 7.00-15.0

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In respect to Wavelength Regions

Visible and Reflective Infrared Remote Sensing Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing Microwave Remote Sensing

Electromagnetic Spectrum

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References:

www.google.com
www.wikipedia.com Principles of Remote sensing edited by Lucas L.E. Janssen

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