Remote Sensing Satellite Systems and Capabilities in Mapping Environmental Resources

Abstract

In the dynamic field of remote sensing, cartography and geographic information systems (geoinformatics), remote sensing is bulk data generating format. This research review tends to present satellite remote sensing environmental data capture capabilities with their mode of images data acquisition method. It involves the presentation of detailed historical background of the systems’ emergence since 80s to the present-day design, modes of data capture, height of sensor, bands and bandwidth, resolutions (m), wavelengths, scene, etc., highlighted for non-professionals to understand. Now, earth resources data are available through land observation satellite, the use of remotely sensed data for environmental baseline studies, have made it possible in acquiring earth's data which are cost effective, timely and repetitive in a consistent manner especially with the high-resolution satellites data promoted with the use of geographic information systems (GIS,) for analysis presentation. This is an effective procedure in establishing trend, nature and in location of surface phenomena for acquisition of environmental remotely sensed that include land, soil, vegetation, water, housing, settlement, climate, security, etc. data and their attributes data derived. Also, limited subsurface data on hydrology, soil, oil and gas, etc. are derivable from space studies and assessment due to increased spatial resolutions in modern satellites. These include: Landsat TM (30m), Landsat ETM plus (15m) and SPOT-HRV (high resolution visible) and HRVIR (high resolution visible infrared) of 10m, Nigeria Sat-l, 2, X (like Landsat TM of (30m)), Ikonos image (3.2m) panchromatic i.e. black and white (0.8m), Quickbird (2.4m) panchromatic (0.6m), and Worldview 1 (the world highest resolution satellite) with 0.5m resolutions respectively, using various wave bands. Thus, increased environmental surveillance and data collection are derivable from the emergence of updated and improved modern satellites’ technology for space studies and assessment due to the increased performance in high-spatial resolutions, cost effectiveness, timeliness and repetitiveness in a consistent manner.

Keywords: Remote sensing, Satellite systems, Capabilities, Mapping, Environment, Resources.