Introduction to RADAR remote sensing

For several decades, remote sensing has had a crucial role in various fields. With the increase in the quality of earth-observing sensors, the ability of observers has been revolutionized. There are two main types of remote sensing: optical-based and microwave. Optical-based remote sensing measures reflected solar illumination from the object but cannot penetrate clouds and has applicability only in the daytime, whereas microwave-based remote sensing can be imaged the earth's surface during both daytime and nighttime and in almost all weather conditions. This study focused on microwave remote sensing and its fundamentals. Microwave remote sensing can be categorized as (1) active remote sensing that provides its source of microwave radiation to illuminate the object on the land surface and detect the backscattered cross-section of a particular land type, and (2) passive remote sensing that detects naturally emitted microwave energy within its field of view. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of microwave remote sensing and review its applications. This study helps researchers understand the basics of microwave remote sensing and various advances in the applicability of microwave remote sensing.