Close and long range sensing including 2D and 3D imaging and laser scan techniques are one of the most dynamically developing methods for data acquisition on local scale in the field of Geoscience. It enhances traditional measurement techniques in terms of radiometric, spectral, spatial and time resolution and provides new operational possibilities by the variety of platforms these systems are operated from (including terrestrial, unmanned vehicles or manned aircraft). New developments in sensor technology and platforms enable for example near-continuous kinematic sensing, autonomous mapping by means of robotics and multispectral 3D acquisitions. Further advances in close-range sensing arise by enhancement of field and reference data collection procedures, integration of measurements from ancillary sources such as geo-sensor networks and cooperative sensor systems, and bridging the gap between ground control measurements and airborne and satellite remote sensing. Increasing availability of mobile and portable sensors enable crowd-sensing e.g. in responsible research & innovation (RRI) context. Research on algorithms for automation of data capture, multi-temporal analysis, scaling, and validation stimulate new research questions aiding the better understanding of geo-environmental processes, their triggers, spatial extent and changes over time. Submissions are requested for geospherical and biospherical research topics integrating close and long range sensing with processes related to cryosphere, geomorphology, biogeomorphology, and geo-hazards.