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

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

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

According to a press release from the Italian culture ministry, the area is remote and not accessible by paths, so drones and remote sensing technology will be employed instead.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025

"These incidents include only those that HRL corroborated through either remote sensing, open source documentation, or a combination of both methods and are likely an undercount," its report said.

From BBC • Oct. 15, 2025

Recognizing this fact, I directed the implementation of an operational civil land satellite remote sensing system, with the operational management responsibility in Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

From State of the Union Address by Carter, Jimmy