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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• remote-sensing
  adjective

Example Sentences

"Cancer diagnosis, food safety, remote sensing vehicles. Those are all still pretty far down the line, but that's the direction we're heading in."

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 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

Currently scientists have been measuring individual trees and trying to extrapolate, but this presents a "huge challenge" said Prof Mat Disney, professor of remote sensing, at University College London.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2025

Scientists have long mapped important habitats on land using satellites and remote sensing.

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