ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the harvest of data from remote sensing technologies such as satellites. The author discusses the tools of the harvest, including relevant space agencies, drones, aircraft, and specific satellites producing the majority of satellite-based imaging. The MSI (Multispectral Imager) instruments are discussed in how they detect wavelengths of light and how they deal with surrounding noise. The actual storage of the data is then discussed in terms of the bytes and bits required to hold this harvested imagery, highlighting the sheer scale of datapoints required for our current harvest of information. The orbit paths of satellites and locations of ground stations are noted, showing where this harvest actually takes place. The author then discusses some of the social implications of producing remote sensing imagery in terms of how democratised the access to the data and to the imaging technology truly is. Finally, a few reflections on the challenges and abundant opportunities related to remote sensing are discussed.
