1. Spatial resolution: Spatial resolution refers to the level of detail that can be seen in an image. Higher spatial resolution means that smaller objects can be distinguished in the image. For example, a satellite with high spatial resolution may be able to distinguish individual trees in a forest, while a satellite with lower spatial resolution may only be able to see the entire forest as a single entity. This can greatly impact the capability of satellites images, as higher spatial resolution allows for more detailed analysis and identification of features on the ground.
2. Spectral resolution: Spectral resolution refers to the ability of a satellite to distinguish between different wavelengths of light. Different materials reflect and absorb light in different ways, so being able to differentiate between these wavelengths can provide valuable information about the composition of the Earth's surface. For example, a satellite with high spectral resolution may be able to identify different types of vegetation based on their unique spectral signatures, while a satellite with lower spectral resolution may not be able to make these distinctions. This can greatly impact the capability of satellite images, as higher spectral resolution allows for more accurate classification of land cover types.
3. Radiometric resolution: Radiometric resolution refers to the ability of a satellite to detect and differentiate between different levels of brightness or intensity in an image. Higher radiometric resolution means that subtle differences in brightness can be detected, which can be important for distinguishing between features on the ground. For example, a satellite with high radiometric resolution may be able to detect small changes in temperature on the Earth's surface, while a satellite with lower radiometric resolution may not be able to make these distinctions. This can greatly impact the capability of satellite images, as higher radiometric resolution allows for more precise analysis of features on the ground.
4. Spatial resolution example: A satellite with high spatial resolution, such as the WorldView-3 satellite, can capture images with a resolution of up to 30 centimeters per pixel. This level of detail allows for the identification of individual cars on a road, which can be useful for traffic monitoring and urban planning. In contrast, a satellite with lower spatial resolution, such as Landsat 8, may only be able to distinguish between larger objects like buildings or fields.
5. Spectral resolution example: The Sentinel-2 satellite has 13 spectral bands, ranging from visible to infrared wavelengths. This allows for the identification of different land cover types, such as forests, water bodies, and agricultural fields, based on their unique spectral signatures. In comparison, a satellite with lower spectral resolution, such as Landsat 8, may only have a few spectral bands, limiting its ability to accurately classify land cover types.
6. Radiometric resolution example: The Landsat 8 satellite has a radiometric resolution of 12 bits, which allows for the detection of 4096 levels of brightness in an image. This high level of radiometric resolution enables the identification of subtle changes in land surface features, such as variations in soil moisture or vegetation health. In contrast, a satellite with lower radiometric resolution may only be able to detect a limited range of brightness levels, making it more difficult to distinguish between different features on the ground.