Contents Preface.-List of Figures -- List of Tables -- 1. The Electromagnetic Field.-2. Dielectric Behavior of Terrestrial Materials -- 3. Electromagnetic Sources and Radiation -- 4. Waves and Fields.- 5. Propagation -- 6. Reection -- 7. Scattering -- 8. Thermal Emission -- 9. Radiative Transfer and Passive Sensing -- 10.Electromagnetic Spectrum and Remote Information -- 11.Antennas and Apertures in Earth Observation -- 12.Earth Surface Rendering from Images -- 13.Sensing Surface and Underneath Features -- 14.Wave Interaction with Land, Water and Air -- A. Vectors, Coordinates and operators -- Acronyms -- Symbols.

This volume addresses the physical foundation of remote sensing. The basic grounds are presented in close association with the kinds of environmental targets to monitor and with the observing techniques. The book aims at plugging the quite large gap between the thorough and quantitative description of electromagnetic waves interacting with the Earth's environment and the user applications of Earth observation. It is intended for scientifically literate students and professionals who plan to gain a first understanding of remote sensing data and of their information content.