Vol. 20, No. 3/4, Fall 1982 - "Remote Sensing"



APPLICATIONS OF REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES TO ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

(pp. 1 – 7)


Benjamin F. Richason, Jr., Ph.D.

Carroll College, Wisconsin


Abstract


The first assessments of our environment came from data supplied by early explorers and surveyors who scanned the visible realms of the earth with crude instruments from such platforms as the highest trees, hilltops and masts of ships. The displays of their investigations were maps - badly distorted in shape and incomplete in detail. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, surveyors continued their work of mapping the environment on foot or from horseback. Their maps and notes gave people at that time the concept that natural resources were limitless and free.




THE NEED FOR REMOTE SENSING EDUCATION IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

(pp. 7 – 12)


Daniel DeVitis, Ph.D.

John Ford, Ph.D.

Shippensburg State College


Abstract


American education is traveling on a rough shoulder of the scientific and technological highway of the 1980's. American education continues to produce functional illiterates in science and math in spite of new buildings and equipment. The low science achievement scores of American high school graduates during the late seventies portend a danger for the future of American technology in the eighties. Shortages of engineers and scientists already are becoming acute and will continue throughout the decade unless science is stressed more in American high schools.




ENHANCING STUDENT FAMILIARITY WITH REMOTELY SENSED PHENOMENA

(pp. 12 – 18)


Ray Lougeay, Ph.D.

State University College, Geneseo, New York


Abstract


After extensively applying remotely sensed imagery in various geography classes for the past ten years, the author has noted that many students find it very difficult to relate patterns present on these images with familiar phenomena. Some students have little difficulty in recognizing and interpreting features on standard black and white or color aerial photography. However, others find that the vertical perspective and the lack of familiar spatial scale form obstacles to accurate image interpretation. Humans generally experience their environment as an extension of the plane which they occupy. But the presentation of material in a map-like format asks the interpreters to remove themselves from this plane 12 and occupy a somewhat abstract position above the surface. While many students have little difficulty in making this transition of perspective, many others find it quite difficult.




MAKING INTERPRETATION OF PHOTO AND SENSORY IMAGERY PART OF THE GENERAL CURRICULUM -- AN ADMINISTRATOR'S VIEW

(pp. 18 – 25)


Burton 0. Witthuhn, Ph.D.

Edinboro State College


Abstract


In 1975 this writer wrote an essay entitled "Forecasting Tomorrow by Looking at Yesterday and Today". In this article, the writer suggested that deficiencies of prognostication using maps and aerial photographs prevail because of the inadequacy of training in such skills.' Despite important developments in the diffusion of instructional aids, most elementary and secondary students continue to have limited exposure to such training. 



The Pennsylvania Geographical Society exists to promote effective geographic teaching, research, and literacy.


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