DIN 18716:2012-08

This standard specifies terminology for the remote sensing of the Earth and objects on its surface by means of digital imaging sensor systems from terrestrial locations, from aircraft (particularly from aeroplanes) and satellites, with a view to standardizing basic terms and definitions. Remote sensing is mainly used to gather data on and observe the Earth's surface in general, and in particular for mapping and monitoring the geo- and biosphere, for data acquisition in the field of geographical information, for drawing up planning documents and observing natural and anthropogenic changes to ecosystems. Applications not only include surveying and cartography but also a wide range of other fields such as town and country planning, regional planning, forestry, construction, architecture, the preservation of historic monuments and archaeology, industrial surveying, collecting data on accidents, criminalistics, medicine, etc. The specifications also apply as appropriate to the investigation of extraterrestrial bodies. Specialized remote sensing methods have been developed for use in oceanography and meteorology; however, the terminology specific to those fields is outside the scope of this standard. This standard refers to the detection and analysis of electromagnetic radiation, not to magnetic or gravitational fields.