Sociospatial Applications of Remote Sensing in Urban Environments

Although the development and application of remote sensing data and techniques has been uneven, new sensors, techniques, and research questions have enabled human geographers and workers in other fields to use geospatial technologies to study sociospatial phenomena in built areas. This article describes how remote sensing data have been used in urban areas and highlights some research areas where remote sensing may continue to aid urban geographical inquiry, and some potential pitfalls. It is concluded that remote sensing has a critical role to play in the analysis of the interactions that occur between people and urban environments that may help shape our understanding of humans and the principle environment in which they live. The article also demonstrates how remote sensing can be used to improve the quality of life in the sustainability of cities.