remote sensing

American  

noun

1. the science of gathering data on an object or area from a considerable distance, as with radar or infrared photography, to observe the earth or a heavenly body.

---

remote sensing British  

noun

1. the use of an instrument, such as a radar device or camera, to scan the earth or another planet from space in order to collect data about some aspect of it

---

Other Word Forms

• remote-sensing adjective

Example Sentences

Randy Fulweber, a study co-author and the geographic information systems and remote sensing manager at UAF's Toolik Field Station, said combining satellite imagery with charcoal data revealed more than just how often fires occur.

From Science Daily • Jan. 14, 2026

Satellite remote sensing data and airborne survey measurements were used to monitor how the lake fills and drains, as well as the paths water takes inside the glacier.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

Tandridge District Council's leader Catherine Sayer said remote sensing called LiDAR would be used to create 3D maps instead of borehole testing.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2025

Dijkstra, who specializes in using remote sensing to map marine ecosystems, thinks the turtle data could even be used to train artificial intelligence algorithms to better identify seagrass habitats from satellite images.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 26, 2024

Since 1972, the U.S. has conducted experimental civil remote sensing through Landsat satellites, thereby realizing many successful applications.

From State of the Union Address by Carter, Jimmy