What characterizes a "false color" image in remote sensing?

A "false color" image in remote sensing is characterized by representing non-visible wavelengths with different colors. This technique allows scientists and analysts to visualize data that cannot be seen with the naked eye, often employing colors to correspond to wavelengths in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. By assigning colors to these non-visible wavelengths, features that might be difficult to differentiate in true color images (which only display visible light) can be discerned more easily. For instance, healthy vegetation might be shown in one color, while stressed or dead vegetation might appear in another, making it easier to assess the health of ecosystems and land use.

This differs significantly from the other options. The first choice refers to visible wavelengths only, which does not align with the concept of false color. The second choice suggests enhancing features using human-visible colors, which also does not capture the essence of false color, as true color images use visible light without modifications. The last choice mentions enhancing true color photography, which again does not apply, since false color means utilizing an entirely different range of wavelengths rather than enhancing what is already seen in true color images.