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GeographyClass 11Introduction To Remote Sensing

Introduction To Remote Sensing | Class 11 Geography Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 5 min read

Introduction To Remote Sensing – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Introduction To Remote Sensing from Class 11 Geography, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

Interpretation of Satellite Imageries

Interpretation of satellite images involves extracting meaningful information about Earth's surface features and phenomena. Data from sensors can be photographic or digital, and information extraction can be done through visual interpretation or digital image processing. Visual interpretation is a manual method relying on human recognition of image characteristics, while digital processing uses hardware and software to analyze data. Due to constraints, this chapter focuses on visual interpretation. The elements of visual interpretation include image characteristics such as tone or color, texture, size, shape, shadow, pattern, and terrain characteristics like location and association with surroundings. Tone or color depends on the amount of reflected energy and varies with surface properties and spectral bands. Texture refers to the variation in tone caused by aggregation of smaller features. Size and shape help identify specific objects, while shadows provide clues about object height. Patterns reveal spatial arrangements, and association considers the relationship of objects with their environment. Table 6.2 lists color signatures of various Earth surface features in standard False Colour Composite images. Figures 6.13 to 6.17 illustrate these elements with examples such as turbid vs. fresh water, coarse vs. fine textures, and distinct shapes of urban features.

📊 Diagram: Figures 6.13 (a and b) show turbid and fresh water bodies with different color tones. Figures 6.14 (a and b) illustrate coarse and fine textures of mangroves and cropped land. Figures 6.15 (a and b) compare sizes of institutional and residential buildings in Kolkata and Varanasi. Figure 6.16 shows the curvilinear shape of railway tracks distinct from roads. Figure 6.17 depicts planned residential areas identifiable by their pattern.

🧪 Activity: Activity: Identify various features marked on IRS IC LISS III imagery using elements of image interpretation and color signatures in standard False Colour Composite.

🔗 Connection: Prepares for exercises and practical application of remote sensing concepts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below (i) Remote sensing of objects can be done through various means such as A. remote sensors, B. human eyes and C. photographic system. Which of the following represents the true order of their evolution. (a) ABC (b) BCA (c) CAB (d) None of the above (ii) Which of the following regions of Electromagnetic spectrum is not used in satellite remote sensing. (a) Microwave region (b) Infrared region (c) X - rays (d) Visible region (iii) Which of the following is not used in visual interpretation technique? (a) Spatial arrangements of objects (b) Frequency of tonal change on the image (c) Location of objects with respect to other objects (d) Digital image processing

(i) Correct order of evolution is BCA. Explanation: Initially, human eyes (B) were used for observation, followed by photographic systems (C), and then remote sensors (A) were developed for remote sensing.

(ii) X-rays (c) are not used in satellite remote sensing. Explanation: Satellite remote sensing commonly uses microwave, infrared, and visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. X-rays are not used due to their high energy and absorption by the atmosphere.

(iii) Digital image processin

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words. (i) Why is remote sensing a better technique than other traditional methods? (ii) Differentiate between IRS and INSAT series of satellites. (iii) Describe in brief the functioning of pushbroom scanner.

(i) Remote sensing is better because it allows data collection over large areas quickly and repeatedly without physical contact, enabling monitoring of inaccessible or hazardous regions.

(ii) IRS (Indian Remote Sensing) satellites are primarily used for earth observation and resource management, whereas INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) satellites are mainly for communication, broadcasting, and meteorological services.

(iii) A pushbroom scanner uses a linear array of detectors to scan t

3. Answer the following questions in about 125 words. (i) Describe the operation of a whiskbroom scanner with the help of a diagram. Explain how it is different from pushbroom scanner. (ii) Identify and list the changes that can be observed in the vegetation of Himalayas (Fig.6.9).

(i) A whiskbroom scanner uses a rotating mirror to scan the ground across the satellite's flight path. It collects data point by point or line by line by sweeping the detector's field of view across the swath. The detector receives reflected radiation from the ground as the mirror oscillates. This method allows high spatial resolution but involves moving parts.

Difference from pushbroom scanner: Pushbroom scanners use a linear array of detectors that simultaneously capture an entire line of dat

ACTIVITY Identify various features marked on IRS IC LISS III imagery shown below. Draw clues from the description of the elements of image interpretation discussed and the colours in which various objects appear on a Standard False Colour Composite.

To identify features on IRS IC LISS III imagery:

  • Use knowledge of image interpretation elements such as tone, texture, pattern, shape, size, shadow, and association.
  • Recognize that in a Standard False Colour Composite, vegetation appears red due to near-infrared reflectance.
  • Water bodies appear dark or black.
  • Urban areas appear in shades of cyan or blue.
  • Agricultural fields show distinct patterns and textures.
  • Use these clues to label features such as forests, water bodies, urban set

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