1. Introduction to “Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS in Tunisia”

This chapter offers a detailed exploration of the application of remote sensing and GIS technologies in studying the diverse environmental features of Tunisia. It covers themes such as urban and rural applications, mapping and modeling, natural risks, soil degradation, and drought assessment. The chapter highlights the innovative approaches used by scientists from Tunisia, Europe, and Egypt to present the unique features of Tunisia's environment, including the use of the dasymetric method for population density mapping, GIS tools for urban planning and risk assessment, and remote sensing for monitoring land use changes and soil degradation. The chapter also discusses the vulnerability of Tunisia's aquifers to pollution and the assessment of drought using time-series satellite images. The use of advanced geospatial techniques provides a rich and variable cartographic production, offering valuable insights into the spatial and thematic aspects of Tunisia's environment. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of these technologies in understanding and managing the unique environmental challenges faced by Tunisia.