Section 1.4: Remote Sensing

Head of Section: Prof. Dr. Hermann Kaufmann

We apply imaging spectroscopy using data both from sensors on satellites and from research airplanes. We measure the expansion of deserts and dry areas, and observe the humidity in the soil. We can also determine the type and amounts of various minerals in rocks and soils. Thus, we contribute important information concerned with mineral exploration, accompanying measures and the re-cultivation of mine tailings of abandoned mines. We help city planners with the comprehensive mapping of biotopes in highly populated areas and support geo-ecological research with an up-to-date assessment of land-use in space and time.

InSAR measurements are used in our section to study earthquakes and regional deformation, to observe volcanic activity and flows of glacier and ice sheets, and to monitor hazards and environmental changes caused by landslides and subsidence.