Pushbroom scanning is a technique used in remote sensing and imaging systems, particularly in satellite and aerial sensors, to capture images of the Earth's surface or other objects. In pushbroom scanning, a linear array of detectors (such as charge-coupled devices or CCDs) is used to capture a continuous strip or swath of the scene as the sensor moves along its path. This is in contrast to the whiskbroom scanning technique, where a single detector scans across the scene.
Key features of pushbroom scanning include:
Linear detector array: Pushbroom scanners utilize a linear array of detectors aligned perpendicular to the direction of motion. Each detector corresponds to a specific spatial location in the scene.
Continuous swath imaging: As the sensor platform (such as a satellite or aircraft) moves, the linear array of detectors continuously captures data along a swath on the Earth's surface, building up a complete image without the need for mechanical scanning mechanisms.
High spatial resolution: Pushbroom scanners can achieve high spatial resolution because each detector is responsible for a specific spatial location, allowing for detailed imaging of the scene.
Efficient data collection: Since pushbroom scanners capture data continuously along a track, they can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, making them suitable for applications such as satellite-based Earth observation.
Applications of pushbroom scanning include:
Satellite remote sensing: Pushbroom scanners are commonly used in Earth observation satellites to capture images of the planet's surface for applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and land cover analysis.
Aerial imaging: Aircraft equipped with pushbroom scanners can capture high-resolution images for applications like mapping, disaster response, and urban planning.
Planetary exploration: Pushbroom scanning is utilized in planetary missions to capture detailed images of the surfaces of planets and moons.
Pushbroom scanning offers advantages in terms of efficiency, high spatial resolution, and reduced complexity compared to some other scanning techniques. It plays a crucial role in various fields requiring detailed and continuous imaging over large areas.