Remote Sensing Basics Page 1 of 4 Definitions of remote sensing "The acquisition and recording of information about an object without being in direct contact with that object." (Gibson, 2000 p1)   "Remote Sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with the object, area or phenomenon under investigation" (Lillesand and Kiefer, 2000 p1) The field of remote sensing has been defined in numerous different ways, but it is easy to identify that one of the central concepts is, gathering information from a distance. Usually this information is gathered through instruments that are carried on aircraft or space orbiting vehicles, which are commonly known as remote sensors. These devices tend to measure electromagnetic radiation coming from the earth's surface and atmosphere. Although remote sensing also includes data collected in many other forms, for example, variations in forces, acoustic wave distribution etc. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Page 1 of 4