Introduction to this special section: Remote sensing

Abstract

The broad field of remote sensing has long played a seminal role in the study of the earth, the environment, and our solar system. Through the advent and proliferation of air- and space-borne imaging systems, researchers have the capability to measure the physical and chemical characteristics of the surface geology of the earth and planetary bodies, monitor changes in vegetative biomass of entire continents, track global migration of water, measure surface heat flux, image the deformation of the earth's surface induced by human and natural processes, and many other applications. Importantly, many of these image products are made freely available to scientists, educators, and the general public by national space agencies, stimulating the flow of information and ideas while helping to grow the next generation of scientists.