In this chapter, we will look at the use of satellite images in geography. Satellite imagery is a relatively new tool in the world of geography, allowing us to observe areas that were previously beyond our reach. The only sure way to become fully comfortable with reading satellite images is to practise answering questions on them as often as possible.
KEY WORDS
l Natural disasters l Human interference l Coastal features l Urban sprawl
Introduction
Satellite images provide a wide view of an area, which helps us to understand a variety of patterns and processes. The most common examples of patterns and processes monitored using satellite images are:
• Natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and tsunamis • Deforestation • Weather patterns • Changes to coastal features and how to identify them • Urban sprawl
16.1 Natural Disasters Before and After a Tsunami
(a) GEO DICTIONARY
Urban sprawl: the unplanned growth of a town/city into the surrounding countryside
(b) LEARNING OUTCOMES
What you MUST know l How to observe and identify features shown in satellite images
) Fig. 16.1
(a) Before and (b) after satellite images of the 2011 Japanese tsunami
