EARTH SATELLITE CAMERA SYSTEMS: RESOLUTION ESTIMATES AND MAPPING APPLICATIONS

Resolution functions which permit the comparison of camera systems considered for earth-orbiting satellite missions, indicate that a mapping camera (f = 300 mm) with approximately 20 m ground resolution at a scale of 1 : 750 000 would prove more useful for photogrammetric applications than any of the systems currently planned. In the absence of specific satellite missions for mapping purposes, the value of Skylab-type experiments could be greatly enhanced by the inclusion of a metric camera. ERTS-A with an estimated ground resolution on the order of 180 m was not intended as a cartographic system. In its present mode it does not meet the standards set by scientists for detailed studies of the earth's resources.