[PS3-2-1] Picture element (pixel)

The picture elements are pixels and each pixel has a specific value (usually in grayscale). Image pixels are normally square and represent a certain area on an image. It is important to distinguish between pixel size and spatial resolution - they are not interchangeable. If a sensor has a spatial resolution of 20 metres and an image from that sensor is displayed at full resolution, each pixel represents an area of 20m x 20m on the ground. In this case the pixel size and resolution are the same.

External resources

  • Jensen, J. R. (2005). Introductory digital image processing : a remote sensing perspective (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, p. 14.

Learning outcomes

Self assessment

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