What is the primary application of infrared technology in remote sensing?

The primary application of infrared technology in remote sensing is detecting heat signatures. Infrared sensors are capable of capturing thermal radiation emitted by objects, which allows them to identify temperature differences in the environment. This capability is especially useful in various fields such as military applications, search and rescue operations, and wildlife monitoring, as it enables the identification of living beings or heated objects in various conditions, even in darkness or through obstructions like smoke or fog.

In other contexts, while weather monitoring, environmental assessments, and navigation support may utilize different types of sensors and technologies, they do not specifically focus on the detection of heat signatures, which is the defining and most critical characteristic of infrared technology in remote sensing.