What is the purpose of calibration in remote sensing?

Calibration in remote sensing is essential for ensuring that the measurements obtained from sensors are both accurate and reliable. This process involves adjusting the sensor readings to align them with known standards or reference data. By calibrating the sensors, researchers can correct for systematic errors and biases that might affect the data quality. This is crucial because remote sensing typically involves the collection of various measurements, such as reflectance, temperature, or atmospheric properties, and these need to be consistent and accurate to be used for scientific analysis, environmental monitoring, or resource management.

High-resolution images, faster data transmission, and converting images into digital formats are important aspects of remote sensing technology, but they do not directly relate to the accuracy of the sensor measurements. Calibration specifically focuses on the integrity and precision of the data collected, making it a foundational component in the field of remote sensing.