Remote Sensing: Its uses especially in the Indian context!
Remote sensing in simple terms is a space based Earth observation system. It is primarily used to collect information about any object on earth by measuring the frequency or wavelength of the radiation emitted, reflected and scattered the objects on earth.
Remote Sensing is the process of sensing and identifying objects on ground, from a distance without coming into direct physical contact with them. It has the ability to provide synoptic view of the large area of the Earth by systematic and speedy collection and distribution of Meteorological, Geological, Geographical, Agricultural and Ecological data within a short period of time. Moreover as it senses the same region for 1000’s time, the data provided are more than 95% accurate as compared to the data provided by the aerial or land based survey.
It provides key inputs to planning and forms an integral part of resource management so as to facilitate optimal utilization of renewable and non-renewable resources of the Earth. It facilitates multiple surveys, which are fast, accurate and cheaper. The whole of India can be surveyed in just 5 days. It is 5 times cheaper than the conventional land based and aerial survey.
Multiple surveys are the survey in which more than one type of survey can be conducted simultaneously. In the case of IRS e.g., mineral resources, oil exploration, ground water mapping, flood mapping, draught management etc.
India is a member of an exclusive group of nations capable of designing and operating remote sensing satellites. The other members are China, France, USA, Russia, Canada and European Space Agency. Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite system was commissioned with the launch of IRS-1A, in 1988. With ten satellites in operation, IRS is the largest civilian remote sensing satellite constellation in the world.
Indian R S S is the cheapest satellites in their category as compared to the Landsat of U S and SPOT of France. The imagery generated by IRS is qualitatively one of the best in the world. Thus India can compete strongly at the international level in selling the R S data to the other countries.
ISRO had established “Antrix Corporation Limited” as its marketing or commercial arm for selling the remote sensing data to other countries. Antrix Corporation limited based in Bengaluru was established in 1992 for the marketing of space product and services. Antrix markets India’s satellites and launch capabilities to global customers.
Antrix has entered into an agreement with EOSAT and GAF-Euromap, which are its counterpart of U S and Germany respectively, under which India will be selling R S data worth 1 billion per years. ISRO is well entrenched in selling remote sensing images to other countries. India has captured 20% of the global market in remote sensing images.
With the several consecutive successful launches of I R S satellites through PSLV, SDSC is likely to become one of the most favoured destinations to launch satellites after French Guiana. India is also in a position to launch R S S of other country with the help of PSLV and is on verge of breaking monopoly of European and Western space agency.