Introduction — Remote Sensing in GeoDynamics

The dynamic nature of geographical phenomena is widely recognised. Changes may be perceived as good or bad but are often of considerable importance. Environmental changes, for example, may have a marked impact on human health and well-being which, in addition to normal scientific curiosity, call for a greater understanding of phenomena undergoing change and of the effects of their dynamism. To support studies of dynamic geographical phenomena there is a need for information on environmental properties at a range of spatial and temporal scales. Various geospatial technologies have developed to provide the data needed to further the understanding of the environment (Konecny, 2003; Thurston et al., 2003). These geospatial technologies include the use of global position systems (GPS) for accurate information on location; geographical information systems (GIS) for data integration and analysis; and geostatistical tools for quantitative analyses, which recognise the spatial dependence that exists with most geographical data. In Section I of the book, however, the major focus is upon another major technology used in the study of GeoDynamics, remote sensing.