Open map List

Resolution

In cartography, resolution refers to the level of detail that a map or spatial dataset can represent. It determines how much geographic information is captured, displayed, and analyzed at a given scale.

Basic

Introduction

Types of Resolution in Cartography:
 

  1. Spatial Resolution – Refers to the smallest geographic feature that can be represented on a map or in a raster dataset.

    • Example: A satellite image with a 30-meter spatial resolution means that each pixel represents a 30m × 30m area on the ground.
    • Higher spatial resolution → More detail (e.g., 1m resolution shows individual buildings).
    • Lower spatial resolution → Less detail (e.g., 100m resolution may only show land cover categories).
       

  2. Temporal Resolution – Refers to how frequently data is updated or captured over time.

    • Example: Weather maps with hourly updates have high temporal resolution, while maps updated once a year have low temporal resolution.
       

  3. Spectral Resolution – The ability of a sensor to distinguish between different wavelengths of light.

    • Example: A multispectral satellite image captures data in different bands (e.g., visible, infrared) to identify vegetation, water, or urban areas.
       

  4. Attribute Resolution – The level of detail in the attribute data associated with a map feature.

    • Example: A population density map with detailed census blocks has higher attribute resolution than one with data aggregated at the country level.
       

  5. Cartographic Resolution – The degree of generalization or symbolization used in a map at different scales.

    • Example: A 1:10,000 scale map will show individual streets, while a 1:1,000,000 scale map may only show major highways.

Outgoing relations