Why Use Remote Sensing to Monitor the Environment?
When we strive to monitor the environment that we live in, we often lose sight of the forest for the trees, as a commonly cited truism claims. Remote sensing technology helps us to step back and examine the big picture of our surroundings. Not only can we study a slice in time, but we can also watch and analyze changes occurring in our environment over days, months and even years. An important goal of the MAGIC program is to bring information derived from remote sensing technology to a wider audience of public and private decision makers, government workers, students and private individuals. Our case studies offer a sampling of possible applications of remote sensing and other geospatial technologies. Whether the issue is long-term drought or a sudden wildfire, remote sensing technology can help us understand where, when, how and possibly even why our environment is constantly changing. It can also increase job productivity for those charged with environmental permitting and improve in
