Nicely Balanced Presentation of a Broad, Complex Topic

This is the first textbook in 20 years that I've read cover to cover, and I am glad I did. This is a very solid presentation of the theoretical and practical basics of remote sensing imagery and analysis. Quantitatively, it is not overly simplistic but it doesn't bog down the reader either.

The first chapter draws a strong line in the sand regarding remote sensing as a discipline and the importance of broad knowledge and definite subject matter knowledge in order to apply it effectively. I almost felt that the take-home message was that remote sensing is a *tool* and not a discipline unto itself, to be advanced for its own sake.

Especially helpful is the overview of sensing systems in Chapter 2 -- I was grateful for the chapter's organization and the tables devoted to different systems. I honestly wish the author had given more information on the configuration of different sensor systems and the particulars of signal processing and AD conversion, but it is hard to ascertain whether this information might be in the companion volume (which I do not own).

Also strong is the chapter on image enhancement, although I think that image enhancement for visualization and image enhancement for quantitative interpretation are different enough to warrant separation.

The most recent advances (artificial intelligence and hyperspectral imagery) are dealt with in distinct chapters. One could probably write a whole book on accuracy assessment alone, but the final chapter here is a respectable treatment of the subject.

Other Reviews

• This was not an original copy of the book
• Nicely Balanced Presentation of a Broad, Complex Topic
• Not enough content to warrant the high price