Radar Images from Space Detailed in New Henderson Book

By April Sherman

Remote sensing, a technology that enables scientists to study the earth through photos taken from satellites or aircraft, is fairly new, but recent strides have been made by scientists to further its development and research.

In Principles and Applications of Imaging Radar (1998, John Wiley and Son), editor and co-author Floyd Henderson of the Department of Geography and Planning explores the most recent discoveries and initiatives made in the field of remote sensing. The book offers a current and comprehensive look at the theory, methods, and applications of imaging radar for geoscientists, engineers, and application scientists who are interested in the advantages of this technology.

Produced under the auspices of The American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and co-edited by Louisiana State University faculty member Anthony J. Lewis, the book gathers together contributions from scientists from around the world to discuss the basic principles of imaging radar. It also records the research activity � past, present and future � across the interdisciplinary sciences where remote sensing has been and can be used.

The book provides a picture of remote sensing technology, including radargrammetry and interferometry, by integrating technical and procedural coverage of systems, data interpretation, and other fundamentals with coverage of a wide range of practical applications in the sciences � including agriculture, forestry, soil moisture monitoring, geology, oceanography and archeology.

The book, said Henderson, is organized for quick access to particular topics, and he hopes it will be important reading for professionals and researchers in the many scientific fields. "The main intent of the book is as a benchmark professional reference, although it may also be used as a text for advanced graduate seminars," he added.

Bob Ryerson, who wrote the foreword, said, "It reflects the growing reality in our field, but does contain a very clear link to the past."

Added Henderson, "The use of remote radar sensing allows such areas of study as thermal pollution, moisture conditions of rangelands and forests, and the changing urban landscape to be closely examined by scientists to determine the effects they have on the earth."

Henderson has been on the University faculty since 1973, and throughout that time has been involved with research on radar sensing. He was a major part of the University�s initial use of the technology. Well published in the field, he has accounted for more than 40 research papers and chapters for textbooks.