Geographic Information Systems require volumes of quality data, and remote sensing systems are one (increasingly important) source of that data. Knowing the characteristics of the imagery, and of the use to which it will be applied, is important, since the costs associated with selecting improper imagery can be significant. Over the next few lectures we'll review the fundamental characteristics of remotely sensed imagery, in particular the different resolutions that apply to all images--spatial, spectral, radiometric and temporal resolution.

Some useful links:

• Characterization of satellite imagery, as presented by the US Satellite Imagery Corporation. This covers three aspects of image resolution--spatial, temporal and spectral.
• A good overview of the characteristics of the Landsat 7 ETM+ sensor is provided by NASA.
• The Biodiversity Informatics Facility has a great set of interactive tools that clearly illustrate many of the important characteristics of remotely sensed images.
• Penn State's Nature of Geographic Information -- An open geospatial textbook that contains an overview of remotely sensed imagery.
• Mapping metropolitan growth from space -- a good overview for those interested in how remote sensing can be used to monitor urban areas. In particular, spatial resolution is discussed in some detail.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity's Discussion on the use of remote sensing for biodiversity monitoring.
• As shown in lecture 1: A short video highlighting some of the global products produced using remote sensing.

Text: Chapter 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5