What does the term "resolution" refer to in remote sensing?

In remote sensing, the term "resolution" specifically pertains to the smallest distinguishable feature in an image. This concept is crucial in determining how much detail can be discerned in the captured data. Higher resolution means that finer details can be observed, which is essential for accurately interpreting the characteristics of the area being observed. For example, if the resolution is high, features such as different types of vegetation, roads, or buildings can be identified clearly.

Resolution can be classified into several types, including spatial resolution (the smallest spatial extent of an object that can be detected), spectral resolution (the ability to distinguish between different wavelengths of light), and temporal resolution (the frequency at which images are captured). While clarity, the ability to capture images, and the size of features are related to remote sensing, they do not define "resolution" in the same way as the smallest distinguishable feature does.