What does temporal resolution refer to?

Temporal resolution is a key concept in remote sensing that pertains to how frequently a satellite or sensor can revisit and collect data from the same geographical area. High temporal resolution means that a sensor can take measurements more often, which is particularly important for monitoring changes over time, such as those caused by weather events, agricultural practices, or urban development. For instance, if a satellite passes over a location every day, it has a high temporal resolution, allowing for detailed observation of any changes, while a satellite that revisits the same spot only once a week would have lower temporal resolution.

This concept is distinct from other types of resolution, such as spatial resolution, which refers to the detail in the imagery, and spectral resolution, which pertains to the ability to capture data at different wavelengths. By focusing on the frequency of revisits, temporal resolution plays a crucial role in applications like disaster management, environmental monitoring, and agricultural assessment, where understanding changes over time is essential.