Spectral Resolution

The term spectral resolution refers to the number and width of a specific wavelength interval (i.e., band or channel) in the electromagnetic spectrum to which a remote sensing system is sensitive. Spectral resolution describes the ability of a sensor to define the fine wavelength intervals in which electromagnetic energy reflected or emitted from Earth's surface features is recorded. In broad terms, the narrower the wavelength interval for a particular band or channel, the finer the spectral resolution. The spectral resolution of a remote sensing sensor depends primarily on two factors. The first is the number of bands or channels used and the second is the width or wavelength interval assigned to each band or channel. Higher spectral resolution can be achieved from using a larger ...