What does temporal resolution signify in satellite imagery?

Temporal resolution refers to how often a satellite can revisit and capture images of the same location on the Earth's surface. This characteristic is crucial in remote sensing, particularly for monitoring dynamic changes in the environment, such as urban development, agricultural changes, deforestation, and natural disasters. A high temporal resolution means the satellite passes over the same area frequently, allowing for more up-to-date monitoring of changes over time.

For example, a satellite with a temporal resolution of one day can provide daily images of a particular area, making it effective for tracking rapid changes. In contrast, a satellite with a lower temporal resolution may capture images of the same location only once a week or month, which could limit the analysis of fast-moving events or phenomena.

The other options do not correctly define temporal resolution. The number of pixels in an image relates to spatial resolution, which describes the level of detail in the image. The size of the satellite sensor does not determine how often the satellite collects images. Lastly, the quality of data captured relates to aspects such as signal-to-noise ratio and calibration rather than the frequency of data collection.