Oil Spill Science and Technology, 2nd Edition

5.5. Optical Sensors

5.5.1. Visible

The use of human vision alone is not considered remote sensing; however, it still forms the most common technique for oil spill surveillance. In the past, major campaigns using only human vision were mounted with varying degrees of success [4]. Optical techniques, using the same range of the visible spectrum detection, are the most common means of remote sensing. Cameras, both still and video, are common because of their low price and commercial availability. Systems are now available to directly map remote sensing data onto base maps [4]. The limitations of visible means should always be borne in mind.

In the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum (approximately 400–700 nm), oil has a higher surface reflectance ...