Ground Sample Distance Calculator

What is Ground Sample Distance (GSD)?

Ground Sample Distance (GSD) is the distance on the ground represented by one pixel in an image. It's a critical parameter in remote sensing that determines the spatial resolution of an image. A smaller GSD means higher spatial resolution, allowing for more detailed observation of the Earth's surface.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the sensor resolution in micrometers (μm). This is typically provided by the sensor manufacturer.
2. Input the width and height of your image in pixels.
3. Specify the altitude of the sensor above ground level in meters.
4. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the GSD and other parameters.

Practical Applications

GSD calculations are essential for:

• Choosing appropriate sensors for specific mapping applications
• Estimating the area covered by an image
• Comparing spatial resolution between different satellite or aerial imagery sources
• Determining the level of detail visible in an image

Example

If you have a satellite image with a sensor resolution of 2.5 μm, image dimensions of 4000 × 3000 pixels, and a sensor altitude of 5000 meters, the GSD would be calculated as:

GSD = (5000 m × 2.5 μm) / 4000 pixels = 3.125 meters per pixel

This means each pixel in the image represents an area of approximately 3.125 meters × 3.125 meters on the ground.