remote sensing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Upper Intermediate to Advanced) / TechnicalFormal, technical, academic, scientific
Quick answer
What does “remote sensing” mean?
The process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance (typically from satellite or aircraft).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance (typically from satellite or aircraft).
The acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with it; also refers to the technologies, methodologies, and professional field dedicated to this practice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. However, related terminology for platforms may differ (e.g., 'satellite' vs. 'spacecraft' context).
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of NASA and the US tech sector, but equally standard in UK scientific discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “remote sensing” in a Sentence
[Use] remote sensing to [verb] ...Remote sensing [reveals/shows/identifies] ...Data [from/obtained via] remote sensingThe principles of remote sensingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remote sensing” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Remote sensing has revolutionised how we monitor deforestation in the Amazon.
- The study relied heavily on remote sensing.
American English
- Remote sensing is a key tool for the US Geological Survey.
- Advances in remote sensing have improved weather forecasting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in industries like agriculture (precision farming), forestry, mining, and insurance for risk assessment and resource management.
Academic
A core term in geography, environmental science, geology, archaeology, and urban planning for research and analysis.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might appear in news reports about climate change, deforestation, or disaster monitoring.
Technical
The standard term in geomatics, photogrammetry, and related engineering fields for data acquisition methods.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remote sensing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remote sensing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remote sensing”
- Using it as a plural (e.g., 'remote sensings' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'remote control'.
- Misspelling as 'remot sensing'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to remote sense' is non-standard; use 'to use remote sensing').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While satellites are common platforms, remote sensing also includes aircraft, drones, and even ground-based systems like LiDAR, as long as the sensor is not in contact with the target.
Remote sensing is the method of collecting data (the 'input'). GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is the technology for storing, analysing, and visualising that spatial data (the 'processing and output'). They are often used together.
Most optical sensors cannot. However, active remote sensing technologies like radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) can penetrate clouds and are used for all-weather monitoring.
Yes, absolutely. A drone-mounted camera collecting aerial imagery for mapping or inspection is a classic example of low-altitude remote sensing.
The process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance (typically from satellite or aircraft).
Remote sensing is usually formal, technical, academic, scientific in register.
Remote sensing: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈməʊt ˈsensɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈmoʊt ˈsensɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The eyes in the sky (referring to satellite remote sensing)”
- “Seeing the forest from space”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REMOTE = far away, SENSING = detecting. It's like having super-senses that work from a great distance.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DISTANT SENSE (extending human vision and measurement capabilities across space).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of remote sensing?