Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Sustainability

Abstract

In recent decades, remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) have emerged as important geospatial tools for monitoring the natural resources on earth and to understand the role of anthropogenic activities. The improvement in these tools (e.g. sensor technology, processing tools, algorithms, etc.) is widening the scope of remote sensing and GIS applications. These tools offer continuous observations throughout the earth, which is vital for ensuring the sustainable use of the world's resources. This chapter first introduces the concept of remote sensing and GIS, and then presents the various applications of remote sensing and GIS in earth observation and sustainable resource management. We conclude the chapter with a case study on examining the terrestrial ecosystem's resilience to hydroclimatic disturbances in northeast India. We also highlight the future scope of remote sensing and GIS applications in sustainability. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.