Introduction Remote Sensing The Civilian Earth Imaging System The Indian Earth Observation Program-the evolution The Earth Observation System ¿ The Paradigm Shift: References Image Formation Electromagnetic Radiation Some Useful Terminologies of Imaging System Aberrations Wave Optics Image Quality Evaluation Modulation Transfer Function Source of EM Radiation for Imaging Radiometric Consideration References Imaging Optics Refractive Optics Reflective and Catadioptic Systems Stray Light Control and Baffling Building Reflective Telescope References Earth Observation Camera - An Overview Spatial Resolution Spectral Resolution Radiometric Resolution Temporal Resolution Performance specification Imaging Modes On-orbit Performance Evaluation References Opto-Mechanical Scanners Principle of Operation Scanning Systems Collecting Optics Dispersive System and Focal Plane Layout Detectors System Design Considerations Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) References Pushbroom Imagers Principle of Operation Linear Array for Pushbroom Scanning CCD Signal Generation and Processing Space borne Pushbroom Cameras IRS Cameras - LISS & The IRS C/D Camera RESOURCESAT Series SPOT Earth Observation Camera Landsat -Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) Hybrid Scanner References Sub-meter Imaging Considerations for Realising High Resolution Imaging System Increasing the Integration Time Choosing Faster Optics Data Transmission Constraints on the Satellite Imaging Cameras with Sub-meter Resolution What Limits the Spatial Resolution? References Hyperspectral Imaging Hyperspectral Imaging Configuration Spectrometers - An Overview Distortions - ''Smile'' and ''Keystone'' Effects Hyperspectral Imaging Instruments References Adding the Third Dimension - Stereo Imaging Stereo Pair Generation Geometries Along-Track Stereo Using Multiple Telescopes Stereo Pairs with Single Optics References Journey from Ground to Space Launch Environment Space Environment Space Hardware Realisation Approach Environmental Tests Reviews Parts/Components Procurement Reliability and Quality Assurance References Appendix. Representative Imageries.