1.Explain reasons why remote sensing is important in resource management.
(10mks)
1. Data Collection in Inaccessible Areas: Remote sensing provides valuable data from
regions that are difficult or impossible to access, like dense forests, mountainous areas, or
remote oceans.
2. Large Area Coverage: Remote sensing can cover vast areas in a short period, making it
useful for managing resources on large scales, such as in agriculture, forestry, and water
resources.
3. Timely and Up-to-Date Information: Satellites and drones provide near-real-time data,
which is critical for monitoring changes and making quick decisions, especially in
disaster management and environmental conservation.
4. Cost-Effective: It reduces the need for costly on-the-ground surveys by providing
comprehensive data from a single platform, saving both time and financial resources.
5. Environmental Monitoring: Remote sensing aids in tracking environmental changes,
such as deforestation, urbanization, and climate change, which is essential for sustainable
resource management.
6. Detection of Resource Distribution: It helps identify locations of natural resources like
water, minerals, and forests, aiding in effective resource allocation and management.
7. Precision Agriculture: Farmers can monitor crop health, moisture levels, and yield
potential using remote sensing, allowing for efficient resource use in agriculture.
8. Wildlife Habitat Monitoring: It enables the study of animal habitats and biodiversity,
essential for conservation and wildlife management.
9. Urban Planning: Remote sensing data is used to analyze land use patterns, aiding city
planners in developing sustainable urban environments.
10. Disaster Response and Recovery: Remote sensing allows for quick assessments of
affected areas, supporting rapid resource mobilization in response to natural disasters like
floods, fires, and earthquakes.
2. Explain how the electromagnetic spectrum interact with earth surface features
(10mks)
1. Reflection: Different materials reflect electromagnetic waves differently, which helps in
identifying features. For example, vegetation reflects strongly in the near-infrared region,
while water reflects very little.
2. Absorption: Certain wavelengths are absorbed by materials. For instance, water absorbs
most of the infrared and red wavelengths, making it appear dark in those bands, while
soils absorb less and appear brighter.
3. Transmission: Some materials, like water and clear skies, can transmit certain
wavelengths. The level of transmission affects how these features appear in different
spectral bands.
4. Scattering: Shorter wavelengths, like blue light, are scattered more than longer
wavelengths. This is why the sky appears blue and why atmospheric conditions can
impact the clarity of remote sensing images.
5. Thermal Emission: Earth’s surface features emit radiation based on their temperature.
Infrared sensors capture this thermal emission, which helps in identifying features like
heated surfaces, water bodies, and urban areas.
6. Spectral Signatures: Each material has a unique pattern of reflection, absorption, and
transmission across the electromagnetic spectrum. These spectral signatures allow for
accurate identification of different earth materials.
7. Penetration Depth: Some wavelengths penetrate materials to varying depths. For
example, radar waves can penetrate clouds and some vegetation, making it possible to
detect objects underneath.
8. Vegetation Response in Red and Near-Infrared: Vegetation absorbs red light for
photosynthesis and reflects near-infrared, a property used to monitor plant health through
vegetation indices.
9. Surface Roughness Effects: Smooth surfaces like water reflect radiation in one direction
(specular reflection), while rough surfaces like soil scatter light, influencing how features
appear in images.
10. Soil Moisture Detection: Moist soils absorb more infrared radiation than dry soils,
allowing remote sensing to monitor soil moisture levels, important for agriculture.
1.
3. Asses the relevance of Geographical Information System (GIS) in spatial
planning (10mks)
1. Data Integration: GIS integrates various datasets (e.g., population, infrastructure,
topography), enabling comprehensive spatial analysis necessary for informed decision-
making in planning.
2. Efficient Land Use Planning: GIS helps in evaluating land use patterns, enabling
planners to allocate land resources more efficiently and sustainably.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment: GIS tools assess potential environmental impacts,
allowing planners to identify and mitigate adverse effects on ecosystems before project
implementation.
4. Urban Growth Monitoring: GIS tracks urban expansion and population distribution,
aiding in the planning of infrastructure and services like roads, hospitals, and schools.
5. Disaster Risk Management: GIS identifies high-risk areas for natural disasters,
supporting the development of contingency plans and safer land use policies.
6. Transportation and Infrastructure Development: GIS assists in planning and
optimizing transportation routes and infrastructure development, reducing congestion and
improving accessibility.
7. Natural Resource Management: GIS supports sustainable management of natural
resources by providing spatial data on forests, water bodies, minerals, and agricultural
lands.
8. Community Engagement: GIS tools present spatial data visually, making it easier for
stakeholders and communities to understand and engage in the planning process.
9. Real-Time Monitoring and Updates: GIS allows real-time data updates, enabling
planners to respond quickly to changes in urban landscapes, environmental conditions, or
population dynamics.
10. Enhanced Decision-Making: With spatial analysis, GIS aids in evidence-based decision-
making, ensuring that spatial plans are both effective and sustainable in the long term.
