What is remote sensing primarily defined as?

Remote sensing is primarily defined as the collection and interpretation of information about objects or areas from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial sensor technologies. This process allows for the observation and analysis of various phenomena without requiring direct physical contact with the objects being studied.

The focus on collection and interpretation highlights the importance of not only gathering data but also understanding and analyzing it to derive useful insights. For instance, remote sensing is widely used in agriculture to monitor crop health, in environmental science to track changes in land use, and in meteorology for weather forecasting.

While other options mention aspects of data analysis or observation, they lack the broad and comprehensive definition that defines remote sensing as collecting and interpreting information from a distance across different fields, such as ecology, urban planning, and disaster management.