Question

Which survey technique utilizes aerial or satellite imagery to gather information about land use, vegetation and other features of the Earth's surface?

• A. Field survey
• B. Remote sensing
• C. Participant observation
• D. Interview survey

Hint:

(x) \textbf{Remote Sensing:} Acquiring information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact, typically using sensors on satellites or aircraft to detect and record electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted from the Earth's surface.
(y) \textbf{Aerial photography} and \textbf{satellite imagery} are key products of remote sensing.
(z) Used extensively for mapping land use/land cover, monitoring vegetation, environmental assessment, disaster management, etc.
({) Field survey is ground-based. Participant observation and interview surveys are social science research methods.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question describes a survey technique that uses imagery from aircraft or satellites. Let's analyze the options:
(t) (a) Field survey (Ground survey): This involves direct observation, measurement, and data collection on the ground at the site or area of interest. Examples: land surveying with theodolites/total stations, ecological quadrat studies, soil sampling. It does not primarily use aerial/satellite imagery as the data collection method itself (though imagery might guide field work).
(u) (b) Remote sensing: This is the science and art of acquiring information about the Earth's surface (or other objects) without being in direct physical contact with it. This is typically done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) using sensors on airborne platforms (aircraft, drones) or spaceborne platforms (satellites). The data collected is often in the form of images (e.g., aerial photographs, satellite imagery). This imagery is then analyzed to gather information about land use, land cover, vegetation, topography, water bodies, and other features. This matches the description perfectly.
(v) (c) Participant observation: This is a qualitative research method used in social sciences (e.g., anthropology, sociology) where the researcher immerses themselves in a social setting to observe behavior and interactions from an "insider" perspective. Not related to aerial/satellite imagery for Earth surface features.
(w) (d) Interview survey (or Questionnaire survey): This involves collecting data by asking questions to individuals or groups, either face-to-face, by phone, or through written questionnaires. Used for gathering opinions, attitudes, demographic data, etc. Not based on imagery. The survey technique that utilizes aerial or satellite imagery to gather information about Earth's surface features is Remote sensing. \[ \boxed{\text{Remote sensing}} \]