Image resolution: Its significance in a wildland area

The information content of simulated space photos as a function of various levels of image resolution was determined by identifying major vegetation-terrain types in a series of images purposely degraded optically to different levels of ground resolution resolvable distance. Comparison of cumulative interpretation results with actual ground truth data indicates that although there is definite decrease in interpretability as ground resolvable distance increases, some valuable information is gained by using even the poorest aerial photography. Developed is the importance of shape and texture for correct identification of broadleaf or coniferous vegetation types and the relative unimportance of shape and texture for the recognition of grassland, water bodies, and nonvegetated areas. Imagery must have a ground resolvable distance of at least 50 feet to correctly discriminate between primary types of woody vegetation.