remote sensing

American

noun

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

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

remote-sensing

adjective

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While reviewing satellite and remote sensing data, Ochwat noticed something unexpected.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

Fulweber said this insight was possible because of the collaborative environment at Toolik Field Station, where specialists in paleoecology, GIS, and remote sensing work closely together.

From Science Daily • Jan. 14, 2026

It is a remote sensing technique which uses lasers to measure distances and create 3D maps, Ms Sayer added.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2025

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

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023