Remote sensing is based on the collection of data from a wide range of sensors carried onboard platforms that may be located far from the surface under investigation, such as satellites and aircraft, or on closer platforms such as drones. These platforms may host one or more sensors designed to observe our planet - referred to as Earth Observation (EO) - or other celestial bodies. The types of sensors vary greatly depending on the information sought and the processes to be observed. The large volumes of data generated by these instruments allow for the monitoring of natural environments, such as polar ice sheets and forests, as well as human-managed systems, such as agricultural landscapes.
Remotely sensed data can also be incorporated into mathematical models to investigate the evolution of complex systems, including ocean temperatures or coastal erosion. In recent years, remote sensing has assumed a central role in the study of phenomena associated with climate change, enabling more robust projections of future climate conditions. Furthermore, international programs that provide free, near-real-time satellite observations - most notably Copernicus - have proven essential for monitoring anomalous or extreme events. The data supplied through these initiatives are critical not only for emergency management but also for the development of risk models that support adaptation policies.
