Satellite Image Analysis

Definition

Satellite Image Analysis refers to the process of extracting useful information and determining the features of an image obtained from a satellite. This type of analysis uses techniques that manipulate, interpret, and take advantage of the properties and characteristics of the data captured by the satellite, to make informed inferences and decisions. These manipulations essentially involve identifying and isolating specific elements within the image, measuring those elements, monitoring change over time, and more.

What is Satellite Image Analysis?

Satellite Image Analysis is a specialized area within the field of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) that is focused on understanding, interpreting, and analyzing satellite images. These images can provide a wealth of information about the earth's surface, including land use and land cover, vegetation, hydrology, geology, weather patterns, and human activity.

The analyses can be performed through various methods, such as 'supervised' and 'unsupervised' classifications. In supervised classification, the identities of some land features in the image are known a priori, and this knowledge is used to identify such features in the rest of the image. On the other hand, unsupervised classification does not rely on a priori knowledge and uses, instead, the statistical properties of the pixel values to automatically group similar pixels together.

Sophisticated tools and software, like Quantum GIS and Atlas.co, are used to process and analyze these images in a systematic manner. Such analysis can serve various fields like urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and agricultural growth monitoring, to name a few.

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FAQs

What are the types of Satellite Image Analysis?

There are primarily two types of Satellite Image Analysis - Visual image interpretation, which involves the observation and qualitative assessment of output images, and Digital image analysis, which involves computer-based processing of satellite imagery to extract quantitative information.

What tools are used in Satellite Image Analysis?

Commonly used tools in Satellite Image Analysis include Atlas.co, Quantum GIS, ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, and Google Earth, among many others.

Why is Satellite Image Analysis important?

Satellite Image Analysis is crucial because it provides vital data about the earth's surface and changes over time. It informs decisions in urban planning, natural resource management, agricultural monitoring, environmental assessment, disaster management, and weather prediction. Satellite Imagery Analysis is hence invaluable for scientists, researchers, planners, and policy makers worldwide.

What is the difference between supervised and unsupervised classification in Satellite Image Analysis?

In the context of Satellite Image Analysis, supervised classification is a technique where known samples (trainings) are used to classify unknown areas, whilst unsupervised classification is a method that automatically groups together pixels with similar spectral characteristics, without having prior knowledge or samples.

Is Special training required to perform Satellite Image Analysis?

Yes, special training is generally required to perform Satellite Image Analysis. One must have a fundamental understanding of remote sensing, GIS, geospatial data, and related software. While a general GIS background is important, specific training in remote sensing and satellite imagery can be extremely beneficial. Colleges, universities, and various online platforms frequently offer such courses.