The politics of pixels: A review and agenda for critical remote sensing

We offer a review and research agenda for critical remote sensing, defined as inquiries and scientific practices cognizant of the embedding of power within the production, analysis, and instrumentalization of satellite imagery. First, we consider critiques of the satellite gaze. Second, we chronicle remote sensing's evolving political economy, examining the technology's use by governments, scientists, and commercial and non-governmental actors. Then, we review practices of critical remote sensing, categorized as research (1) exposing injustices; (2) engaging situated knowledges; and (3) empowering marginalized actors. Lastly, we suggest five areas for intertwining critiques and practices and consider possibilities for counter-remote sensing.

我们为批判性遥感提供了一个综述和研究议程，批判性遥感被定义为在卫星图像的生产、分析和工具化过程中认识到权力嵌入的探究和科学实践。首先，我们考虑对卫星凝视的批判。其次，我们按时间顺序记述遥感不断演变的政治经济，考察政府、科学家以及商业和非政府行为体对该技术的使用。然后，我们回顾批判性遥感的实践，分类为（1）揭露不公正；（2）结合情境知识；（3）赋予边缘化行为体权力的研究。最后，我们提出五个将批判和实践相互交织的领域，并考虑反遥感的可能性。