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Mapping and satellite data

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A simple example of traditional chorological mapping methods can show some of the fundamental principles of satellite images. In each square, the number of houses is counted as the basis of the chorological matrix.

Credits: ESA

Chorological matrix

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Chorological matrix.

Credits: ESA

Histogram

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The illustration shows two classification examples based on the histogram shown. One classification has four classes (agriculture, village, town, and other) whereas the other has two (rural and town).

Credits: ESA

Classification

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Suitable classification depends on the purpose of the map.

Credits: ESA

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Classifications often require compromise

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Classification often requires compromise.

Credits: ESA

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A digital image is a chorological matrix

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A digital image is a chorological matrix. The size of the squares in the grid is equal to the spatial resolution of the (satellite) image and depend upon the instrument providing the data. Similarly the numbers in the grid are determined by the ability of the equipment to distinguish variations. Digital images often contain values between 0 and 255, which are matched exactly by the capacity of 1 byte in the computer.

Credits: ESA