Remote sensing is one of the most common tools for monitoring the land surface and also an effective way to collect data, derive information and develop knowledge about the global environment.

Censipam is a reference in the field of remote sensing when monitoring the Brazilian Legal Amazon. The system, which employs airborne sensor technology, has a great advantage over orbital sensors. CENSIPAM possesses a unique technological setup within the country and uses data provided by four airborne sensors, aboard R99-B and R95-B aircraft, operating in the microwave, visible spectrum and infrared bands:

• SAR sensor (Synthetic Aperture Radar);
• HSS Hyperspectral sensor (Hyperspectral Scanner System);
• MSS Multispectral sensor (Multispectral Scanner System);
• OIS infrared sensor (Optical Infrared Sensor).
  

Aeronave R99-B

 
SAR sensors, unlike optical sensors, allow for the acquisition of images regardless of cloud formations, rain, fog, smoke or sunlight. Thus, radar images can be generated at any height, during day or night and under varied weather conditions. This feature is particularly interesting for the Amazon, where optical sensors suffer great restriction due to the high probability of clouds.

Aeronave R95-B e imagens do sensor HSS

Radar images are used in CENSIPAM for the detection of deforested areas, selective logging, unauthorized runways, and illegal mining, among other applications. Today, the imaged area covers more than 3 million square meters, about 65% of the Brazilian Legal Amazon.

Imagens do radar de abertura sintética

HSS hyperspectral and MSS multispectral sensors complement radar data and differ from many of the existing multispectral and hyperspectral sensors by combining high resolution spectral with high resolution spatial characteristics. That is to say, by having a large number of bands (50 and 31, respectively) and a spatial resolution to less than 2 meters, these sensors allow for the gathering of detailed surface information and offer a rapid and efficient alternative to obtain strategic information for the monitoring of the Brazilian Legal Amazon when compared to a traditional approach.

The analyses result in the identification of targets that cannot be “seen” by sensors with lower spectral resolution (e.g. when a mineral ore is hard to identify in exploration pits). HSS and MSS can be largely used in the study of surface coverage, such as vegetation, water, soil and atmospheric conditions.

Imagens dos sensores HSS (esquerda) e MSS (direita)

OIS is an imaging sensor used for real time data gathering. It has two color TV cameras (daylight usage) and an infrared camera (24-hour usage); all three are long-range cameras for identification, monitoring and target tracking at long distances. Due to its characteristics, this sensor works well in supporting critical operations, like search and rescue, police operations and fire combat, among others. It is worth mentioning that OIS is capable of determining the distance between the aircraft and the captured scene, as well as the geographic coordinates and ground height where the target is located.

Imagens do sensor OIS

These sensors can be used at any time for imaging areas of interest for federal, state and municipal entities, covering strategic or tactic needs. Remote sensing technology enables CENSIPAM to fulfill one of its main duties while protecting the Amazon: to support and help partner institutions, states and municipalities within the Brazilian Legal Amazon in controlling deforestation, combating bio-piracy, protecting national parks, monitoring occupation and usage of land, protecting indigenous reserves, defending border areas and protecting strategic mineral resources.