Application Layer in OSI Model

The application layer is the last and 7th layer from the bottom of the OSI model. It is a
layer through which the end user can communicate directly with the software. The
application layer transmits the data in the form of a user-readable format. It provides
many services to the user. It transfers data to the presentation layer. Furthermore, it
either provides services to the presentation layer or takes services from the presentation
layer.

Not only that, but it is the responsibility of the application layer that the communication
between two hosts is taken place smoothly without any disturbance. The application
layer ensures that the required media is available on both hosts. It determines which
protocol is to be used while communicating between the hosts.

It delivers the standard interface that applications can use to transmit and obtain
information to communicate with each other over the network. The application layer
includes different protocols that are used in email communication, file transfer, web
browsing, and more. These protocols deliver a standardized method for applications to
convey messages to each other.

Functions of the application layer in the OSI model

 o The application layer determines the communication partner to whom data will
be transmitted.
o This layer specifies the availability of resources, i.e., it checks whether adequate
network resources are available or not.
o This layer delivers protocols that are accountable for creating seamless
transmission between applications.
o This layer serves as an interface between user applications and the network.
o This layer delivers directory services, which means it permits access to any sort of
data from a distributed database.
o This layer delivers several facilities to the users for multiple email forwarding and
storage facilities.
o This layer lets users log into a remote host and access any type of application.
o This layer lets the user access the files in the remote host.
o This layer provides email services.
o This layer provides file transfer access and management.
o This layer communicates with the operating system and guarantees that data is
saved properly.
o This layer enables users to communicate with other software applications.

Protocols of the application layer in the OSI model:

o SMTP: It is an abbreviation for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol which is a TCP/IP

protocol used to organize email. With the use of this protocol, data is sent from
one email address to another. It is accountable for the transmission of email
messages over the Internet. It is a valid protocol for ensuring the delivery of email
messages. It also provides security for email transmission by supporting
authentication mechanisms.
o HTTP: It is an abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol that allows users to
access Internet data. It is accountable for the conversation between the client and
the web server. When a user requests data, the browser transmits an HTTP
request to a server hosting the data. The server replies with an HTTP response,
which holds the requested data or an error notification if the data is not found or
cannot be accessed.
o FTP: It is the short form for File Transfer Protocol which is used to send files
between server and client using the internet. It uses a client-server model, where
the client requests a file, and the server responds with the requested file. It uses
TCP to share data as TCP delivers error-free transmission of data.
o TFTP: It is the short form for Trivial File Transfer Protocol. It is a User Datagram
Protocol (UDP) based protocol, which means it is unreliable and connectionless. It
 transmits all commands and data over a single UDP port. It is used when a
lightweight and fast file transfer protocol is required. It is uncomplicated to use
and configure.
o DNS: It is the short form for Domain Name System that translates human-
readable domain names into IP addresses so that web browsers can comprehend
what a user desires to access on the Internet.
o SNMP: It is an abbreviation for Simple Network Management Protocol used for
managing and monitoring network devices and systems. Using this protocol,
network administrators gather data about network performance, identify and
troubleshoot problems, and remotely configure network tools.
o TELNET: It is an abbreviation for telecommunication network that delivers
remote access to a network appliance. It is a client-server protocol that uses TCP
to establish a link between a client and a server. It uses a simple text-based
interface that enables users to execute commands and obtain feedback from the
server.

Applications of Remote Sensing

This article will provide you a detailed explanation of remote sensing technology. Before
starting the main topic first, let us understand remote sensing.

What is Remote Sensing?

The process of acquiring information about the Earth's surface from a distance using a
range of instruments and technology, such as satellites, aeroplanes, drones, or ground-
based sensors, is known as remote sensing. Analysis and understanding the properties
and alterations of the Earth's land, oceans, and atmosphere are possible using the
extracted information. The information might also include images, spectra, and other
measurements.

Types of Remote Sensing

There are two different types of Remote Sensing which are discussed below:

1. Passive Remote Sensing

Natural radiation that is released or reflected from the Earth's surface is detected via
passive remote sensing. Utilizing sensors to pick up visible light, infrared radiation, and
microwave radiation are the parts of passive remote sensing. Radiometers, multispectral
scanners, and cameras are a few instances of passive remote sensing equipment.

2. Active Remote Sensing

On the other hand, active remote sensing uses sensors that radiate energy at the surface
of the Earth and then track the energy that is reflected or scattered back. Technologies
like radar, lidar, and sonar are used in active remote sensing. These technologies allow
for the measurement of both the target's physical properties, such as texture and form,
as well as the separation between the sensor and the desired item.

A more complete picture of the environment can be obtained by combining the passive
and active remote sensing methods. For example, passive sensors can be used to track
plant cover, while active sensors, such as radar, can track topography changes in the
region.

Let's discuss the applications of remote sensing.

Applications of Remote sensing

Remote sensing is widely used in different fields like Agriculture, Surface changes,
Biodiversity, Weather, Forestry, etc. The Remote sensing has led to the invention of
various new technologies like world mapping, GPS, City Planning, etc. Working of
remote sensing technology is possible mainly with the help of satellites revolving
around the earth. The various applications of remote sensing are provided below:

1. Analysing the condition of rural roads

Using several GIS tools and Remote Sensing techniques, it is now feasible to analyse
rural road conditions with inch-by-inch accuracy. For carriers, it is very time and cost-
effective. It is quite helpful for the road ministry to analyse the condition of roads and
make it repaired.

2. Land use and land cover mapping:

Nowadays, remote sensing may be a very useful tool for environmental and land
management. It is quite beneficial for the revenue department for easier identification of
changes in land and their work becomes quite easy with the help of remote sensing.

3. Collecting Earth's pictures from space

Several space organizations have a collection of pictures of the planet. It displays
intriguing geometries of the globe, including the atmosphere, seas, land, etc. These data
are gathered by EO-1, Terra, and Landsat.

4. Controlling Forest Fires

Forest Fires are unpredictable and they cause a lot of damage to animal diversity.
Firefighters may be dispatched quickly to the right places using the information
obtained by satellites utilizing remote sensing. This minimizes the chances of damage
caused by such fires thereby saving a lot of animals and birds.

5. Agriculture Monitoring

By using remote sensing, farmers may monitor crop health, soil moisture, and
vegetation conditions to maximize crop yields and reduce losses. Remote sensing even
helps in improving the quality of vegetables and fruits so that all people can consume
good quality food.

6. Observing climate changes

It is now possible to monitor climate change from the satellites like CERES, MODIS,
AMSRE, TRMM, and MOPITT. The historical and present climate conditions can also be
compared by the remote sensing.

7. Water resource management

With the help of remote sensing, water resources can be managed for drinking,
agriculture, and other uses while also keeping an eye on water levels, quality, and usage.

8. Drought Monitoring

A particular area's weather patterns, including trends associated with drought, are
tracked using remote sensing technologies. To track the drought, it can be useful to
utilize the information to forecast the rainfall patterns of a region and to estimate the
time interval between the current and the following rainfall.

9. Urban Planning

To better plan and manage cities, urban planners are using the remote sensing to better
analyse the trends in urban growth, traffic patterns, and land use changes.

10. Public health

Remote sensing is also highly used in the health and medical field. Monitoring the
transmission of diseases, tracking mosquito breeding grounds, and locating places
vulnerable to disease outbreaks can all be done through remote sensing.

11. Archaeology and cultural heritage management

Remote sensing can be used to locate and map archaeological sites as well as monitor
changes to cultural heritage sites brought on by both natural and human-caused
factors.

12. Forest management

With the help of remote sensing, forest management and conservation activities can
monitor forest health, identify forest fires, and calculate the amount of biomass in
forests.

13. Transportation management

Planning and managing transportation systems can be made better by using remote
sensing to keep an eye on traffic patterns, congestion, and accidents.

14. Mapping energy resources

Remote sensing is a useful tool to find and map prospective energy sources like wind
and solar energy. It also helps in monitoring energy usage and emissions.

This is all about remote sensing and its applications. This technology has made lifestyle
very easy and it even led to the invention of various new technologies in the world.