Understanding Imagery Resolution
Resolution determines what you can see and measure in satellite and aerial imagery. This guide helps you choose the right resolution for your specific use case.
Spatial resolution refers to the size of one pixel in an image measured on the ground. A 30cm resolution means each pixel represents a 30cm × 30cm area on Earth's surface. Lower numbers mean higher detail — you can see smaller objects.
10m
See fields, forests, water bodies
50cm
See buildings, roads, large vehicles
15cm
See cars, street furniture, roof details
See the Difference
Compare how the same location appears at different resolutions. Click on each resolution to see the detail level.
Optical · Satellite
10m
per pixel
Resolution Categories
Earth observation imagery is typically grouped into these resolution categories, each suited for different applications.
Highest detail for precise measurements and small object detection from aircraft and drones
Use Cases
- Roof condition assessment
- Utility line inspection
- Pavement analysis
- Property surveys
- 3D modeling
Available Providers
Identify individual vehicles, small structures, and detailed infrastructure
Use Cases
- Vehicle counting and classification
- Building footprint extraction
- Construction site monitoring
- Damage assessment
- Infrastructure inspection
Available Providers
Distinguish buildings, roads, and large vegetation patterns
Use Cases
- Urban mapping
- Land use classification
- Forest monitoring
- Coastal zone mapping
- Mining operations
Available Providers
Broad area coverage for regional analysis, change detection, and specialized spectral analysis
Use Cases
- Agricultural field boundaries
- Deforestation tracking
- Flood extent mapping
- Regional land cover
- Vegetation health (NDVI)
- Hyperspectral analysis
Available Providers
Cost-effective broad coverage ideal for large-scale monitoring and time-series analysis
Use Cases
- Continental-scale land cover mapping
- Climate and environmental monitoring
- Large-scale agricultural monitoring
- Disaster extent mapping
- Long-term change detection
Available Providers
All-weather, day-night imaging that penetrates clouds
Use Cases
- Maritime surveillance
- Ground deformation monitoring
- Oil spill detection
- Flood mapping through clouds
- Infrastructure monitoring
Available Providers
Recommendations by Industry
Not sure which resolution you need? Here are recommendations based on common industry applications.
Medium resolution is ideal for field-level crop monitoring, NDVI analysis, and irrigation management. Hyperspectral imagery from Wyvern or Pixxel provides detailed crop health insights. Higher resolution (50cm-1m) is useful for precision agriculture.
Recommended Products
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