GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN FORESTRY: REMOTE SENSING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS

Remote sensing is observing and collecting data on an object or area with a remote device, without physical contact. This is usually performed by satellites, airborne vehicles (drones, aeroplanes), or sensors placed on the ground surface (Figure 1). Remote sensing utilises light, radar, heat or other electromagnetic waves to analyze objects and the environment on the

surface. Remote sensing is an important technology that supports decision-making processes by gathering and analyzing data in various fields. The basic components of remote sensing are source, radiation and data analysis. In remote sensing, instruments such as satellites, drones, sensors, etc. detect electromagnetic radiation. These devices collect radiation reflected or absorbed from surfaces. This radiation can have different wavelengths (visible light, infrared, radio waves, etc.). The collected data provides information about many factors such as objects on the surface, environmental conditions, soil properties, vegetation and water resources. These data are processed by geographic information systems (GIS) or other analysis tools.