From Environmental Management to Mining Exploration: The Many and Varied Applications of Remote Sensing

Spectral analysis has long been used to determine the composition of materials across a range of different fields. Until recently, this was generally done in a highly targeted way, with readings usually taken from small samples. However, advances in technology have allowed both the speed and scale of this testing to increase significantly, without compromising accuracy.

This has led to even wider adoption of this technique, with remote sensing applications now spanning many different industries. 

Here we take a closer look at what this technology is, how it works, and the different ways it is being used.

What is Remote Sensing?

Also referred to as airborne hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing is an analysis technique that provides detailed compositional data for large areas. 

Using high-resolution imaging and an aerial platform, like a drone, it can quickly map vast landscapes. By combining this with advanced spectral analysis, it can also see past the visible, and accurately assess chemical and geological structures.

History of Remote Sensing

Broadly speaking, the history of remote sensing began in the 1840s, when topographic images were first taken using cameras attached to tethered balloons. This practice quickly expanded, and by World War I, cameras were being attached to the underside of planes to support reconnaissance activities.

This was taken to the next level when, in 1957, Russia launched the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik I. While early satellites were primarily used for weather monitoring, the opportunity for large-scale imaging of the Earth’s terrain was soon recognised. This led to the 1972 launch of what would become known as Landsat 1, the first satellite designed specifically for earth observation.

Since then, remote sensing technology has continued to advance and adapt. This was spurred on by the start of the “Drone Age” in the early 2000s, when use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) became much more widespread. This, combined with the development of more compact and lightweight spectral analysis tools has seen significant growth in the applications of remote sensing.

Common Remote Sensing Applications

Due to its speed, scope, and accuracy, remote sensing is now used in a range of industries, for a variety of purposes. Due to the depth of data it can produce, it is consistently seen as a superior option to more traditional analysis techniques.

Agricultural Operations

Farming was one of the first commercial industries to see widespread adoption of remote sensing at the individual operator level. Traditionally, factors like soil health and crop moisture had to be assessed manually, which was time-consuming and destructive. 

But now, almost every step of the growing process can be enhanced using advanced analysis techniques, without the loss of a single grain.

Early adoption of this technology saw UAVs being used to map farmland and monitor for obvious signs of infestations and diseases. The addition of spectral sensors has further developed this practice, enabling careful monitoring of crop health, soil quality, and crop moisture and nutrient levels. This has led to the development of precision agriculture practices, designed to increase productivity, boost yields, and improve sustainability.

Practical applications of remote sensing in agriculture include collecting and analysing the detailed data required to optimise farm management, as well as more specific applications like helping to fight citrus blight.

Mining Exploration

In the mining industry, accurate and detailed compositional analysis can quite literally be as good as gold. While extraction activities can be extremely lucrative, they can also be very expensive to set up and operate. As such, you need to be sure that the investment will be worth it.

Traditionally, this has meant extensive sample collection and laboratory testing to confirm the presence of valuable minerals in a site. 

However, even the most robust manual testing programs could not provide a reliable assessment of the size and potential value of a mineral deposit. This is where remote sensing technologies have really changed the game.

In addition to identifying valuable minerals in much smaller concentrations, spectral analysis can also identify the shape and size of a deposit. This supports a more accurate calculation of its value and better decision-making about where to invest. 

It can also help inform the selection of the optimal extraction sites and methods, making mining operations much more efficient.

By attaching sensors to a UAV, the speed and scope of analysis activities can be significantly increased. You also enable the safe assessment of sites that are difficult or dangerous to access on the ground.

Environmental Monitoring

As our focus on sustainability and preservation increases, so does the need for reliable data on the true state of our environment. 

Historically, this data has been limited by the extremely expensive and time-consuming collection process. However, remote sensing overcomes many of the barriers facing manual analysis, making it much quicker and easier to gather invaluable environmental insights.

Regular monitoring of sensitive landscapes allows changes to be tracked and interventions planned to slow degradation. 

Analysis of at-risk ecosystems enables us to evaluate their health and detect contamination or the presence of invasive species. Plus, measurement of the density and composition of vegetation can provide important insight into the state of forests and other critical green spaces.

Practical applications of remote sensing in environment research include coastal exploration projects and monitoring of the Great Barrier Reef for signs of coral bleaching.

Defence Activities

Since the earliest days of the technology, the military applications of remote sensing have been heavily explored. 

While the applications within defence remain largely the same – primarily surveillance and reconnaissance – the analysis that is now possible is far more advanced. This includes the ability to detect small changes in terrain and other evidence of concealed objects and infrastructure.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Remote Sensing Requirements

Whatever you are planning to use remote sensing for, the Nano HP is up to the task. 

The evolution of the industry-leading Nano Hyperspec system, the Nano HP is compact and low-weight, while still being robust and feature-packed. Available as an integration for compatible aerial vehicles, or as part of a turnkey system, it is sure to suit your needs.For more information on remote sensing applications, or to discuss what the Nano HP could do for you, contact our expert team today.