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Passive and active systems

Passive (optical or thermal) Imaging Systems

  • Relies on reflected sunlight or emitted thermal energy
  • Unable to use through clouds, smoke or at night
  • Vegetation response controlled by pigments, canopy structure & biomass

Active (microwave or radar) Imaging Systems

  • Relies on a transmitter/sensor configuration
  • Able to see through, clouds, smoke and at night
  • Vegetation response controlled by water content, canopy structure & biomass