RVI would seem to be a somewhat modern technique as it requires “equipment,” but the history of remote visual predates the industrial revolutions. In fact, natural reflective surfaces like polished rock and a still body of water have been used to remote view things like the sun since the beginning of human life.
One of the oldest types of RVI equipment that is still in use today dates back to 1608. Hans Lippershey of the Netherlands, an eyeglass maker, filed a patent for what would later become known as the telescope. He was not awarded the patent, but his invention would lead to what were the first RVIs. The following year Galileo Galilei brought his design ideas to the telescope and greatly improved its functionality.