{"id":773557,"date":"2026-06-30T10:50:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T17:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/?post_type=arcnews&#038;p=773557"},"modified":"2026-06-30T14:23:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T21:23:08","slug":"navigating-the-imagery-landscape","status":"publish","type":"arcnews","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape","title":{"rendered":"Navigating the Imagery Landscape"},"author":6921,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"sync_status":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","transcript_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","castos_file_data":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[10842,472991,551],"tags":[369592,475792,470251,141,396372],"arcnews_issues":[493539],"class_list":["post-773557","arcnews","type-arcnews","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-data","category-gis","category-imagery","tag-aerial-imagery","tag-change-detection","tag-drone-imagery","tag-drones","tag-satellite-imagery","arcnews_issues-summer-2026","arcnews_sections-esri-technology"],"acf":{"short_description":"Find out how to choose the best imagery for your project. Review the different types and learn about various capture methods.","pdf":{"host_remotely":false,"file":"","file_url":""},"flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"In GIS, imagery and video are foundational data sources that reveal spatial patterns and contextual relationships. They can transform maps into multidimensional tools for exploration and analysis.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding the diverse range of available imagery is crucial for unlocking its full potential in GIS applications.\r\n<h2>The Difference Between Imagery Types and Capture Methods<\/h2>\r\nTo effectively select and use imagery for GIS projects, it\u2019s helpful to understand the differences between imagery types and how they\u2019re captured.\r\n\r\nImagery can be categorized based on its characteristics and the technology used to capture it. The type of imagery refers to its inherent properties, such as resolution or spectral characteristics, while the capture method refers to the platform or vehicle used to obtain it. These platforms carry various payloads, or sensors, that capture imagery via remote sensing\u2014the process of collecting geospatial data without direct physical contact.\r\n<h2>Types of Imagery<\/h2>\r\nWith a vast array of imagery options, two key questions emerge: What\u2019s available, and what\u2019s the right fit for your project? Here are the main options.\r\n\r\n<strong><u>Panchromatic imagery<\/u><\/strong> is captured using sensors on satellites, aircraft, and unpiloted aerial vehicles, or drones. This type of imagery is characterized by its resolution, which is influenced by the camera\u2019s capabilities and the altitude at which images are taken. For example, high-resolution images can reveal small details, such as individual bricks or tree branches, while lower-resolution images may only show larger features like road networks or forest boundaries. The level of detail is described by ground sample distance (GSD), with smaller GSD indicating finer detail."},{"acf_fc_layout":"gallery","gallery_images":[773560,773930]},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"<strong><u>Spectral imagery<\/u><\/strong> captures detailed information about how objects on Earth\u2019s surface reflect and absorb different wavelengths of light. This is why it\u2019s called \u201cspectral\u201d\u2014it analyzes the spectrum of light reflected from these objects.\r\n\r\nThink of a spectral signature as a unique \u201cfingerprint\u201d of light reflection that allows analysts to distinguish between cornfields, asphalt roads, and healthy forests from miles away. Every material on Earth has a unique spectral signature that can be captured using special sensors carried on satellites, aircraft, and drones. Sensors can be multispectral, capturing 3 to 15 of the bands on the spectrum, while hyperspectral imagery collects hundreds of bands, allowing for more precise identification of materials.\r\n\r\n<strong><u>Video data<\/u><\/strong> is captured over time using video cameras mounted on aircraft, drones, or stationary platforms like traffic lights or buildings. It provides a more true-to-life representation than static imagery, showing movement and changes from various angles. By examining a sequence of images over time, you can gain a nuanced understanding of how scenes evolve and change, revealing insights that static images cannot provide.\r\n\r\n<strong><u>RGB<\/u><\/strong> or <strong><u>true-color imagery<\/u><\/strong> is captured using standard cameras found in everyday devices, such as smartphones and tablets. These cameras capture images in three bands\u2014red, green, and blue (RGB)\u2014representing the visible spectrum that\u2019s similar to how humans experience the world. A specific type of RGB imagery is 360-degree imagery, which captures a complete view of a scene and provides an immersive experience. Both traditional RGB imagery and 360-degree imagery are suitable for a range of projects where visual recognition is important.\r\n\r\nOther types of remotely sensed data, such as <strong><u>synthetic aperture radar (SAR)<\/u><\/strong> and <strong><u>lidar<\/u><\/strong>, are often included in the imagery category. SAR data is acquired using radar sensors on satellites and aircraft that emit radar pulses to image the Earth\u2019s surface. SAR devices can penetrate clouds and see at night. Lidar data is captured using laser scanners, often mounted on aircraft or drones, that emit laser pulses to create highly accurate 3D terrain models. This data is invaluable for elevation and structural analyses.\r\n<h2>How Imagery Is Captured<\/h2>\r\nVarious technologies capture imagery\u2014from cameras that discern visible light to sophisticated sensors that detect beyond the visible spectrum. The choice of camera or sensor, along with the platform it\u2019s mounted on, determines the type and quality of the imagery.\r\n\r\n<strong><u>Satellites<\/u><\/strong> capture a wide range of imagery types, from high-resolution panchromatic and multispectral imagery to hyperspectral, lidar, and radar imagery\u2014and in some cases, even video. The choice of satellite depends on the required resolution, spectral bands, and revisit frequency (how often imagery of a particular site needs to be recaptured). Satellites are particularly useful for large-scale projects such as monitoring environmental changes over vast areas or tracking global phenomena.\r\n\r\n<strong><u>Crewed aircraft<\/u><\/strong>, such as <strong><u>helicopters<\/u><\/strong> or <strong><u>airplanes<\/u><\/strong>, can capture high-resolution photography with GSDs ranging from a few centimeters to several meters. Aerial imagery is often used for detailed mapping, infrastructure inspections, and monitoring environmental changes. The flexibility of aerial platforms makes them ideal for projects requiring high-resolution imagery over small- to medium-sized areas.\r\n\r\n<strong><u>Drones<\/u><\/strong> offer an adaptable and cost-effective means of capturing high-resolution imagery and video. They can be equipped with various sensors, including RGB cameras, multispectral or hyperspectral cameras, and lidar. Drones are particularly useful for small-scale projects, monitoring hard-to-reach areas, or capturing imagery at very high resolutions (GSDs of a few centimeters or less)."},{"acf_fc_layout":"gallery","gallery_images":[773561,773562]},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"<strong><u>Street-level cameras<\/u><\/strong> are often used to capture images and videos at ground level, providing a distinct perspective on the environment. The widespread availability and ease of use of these devices make them ideal for capturing imagery in a variety of contexts, from documenting work to inspecting assets."},{"acf_fc_layout":"sidebar","layout":"standard","image_reference":null,"image_reference_figure":"","spotlight_image":null,"section_title":"","spotlight_name":"","position":"Center","content":"<h3>Choosing the Right Imagery for Your Project<\/h3>\r\nThe next step is to determine which type of imagery is best suited for your GIS project. Here\u2019s a list of questions to see what you\u2019d need for various endeavors.\r\n<h4>How much do you need to see?<\/h4>\r\nFor projects that require identifying small objects or features\u2014such as counting individual cars in a parking lot or analyzing road conditions\u2014panchromatic imagery with high resolution is essential. If your project involves analyzing larger features or broader patterns, lower-resolution imagery may be sufficient. You can obtain imagery from satellites, aircraft, or drones, depending on factors such as area coverage, revisit frequency, and cost.\r\n<h4>What information are you trying to extract?<\/h4>\r\nIf you need to identify specific materials or objects, consider spectral imagery\u2014multispectral or hyperspectral, depending on what you need to identify. When visual recognition is key, RGB or true-color imagery might be suitable. If you\u2019re analyzing dynamic processes or changes over time, or creating detailed 3D models, consider using video imagery or lidar data.\r\n<h4>How often do you need to observe changes?<\/h4>\r\nIf you\u2019re tracking changes or movements over time, consider using video imagery or repeated captures of the same area. This can be useful for monitoring traffic flow, natural disasters, or seasonal changes in vegetation. The frequency of information you need will help you decide whether to use satellite, aerial, or drone imagery. You can also use collections of street-level imagery to monitor changes at close range.\r\n<h4>What\u2019s the scale of your project?<\/h4>\r\nFor large-scale projects, such as monitoring regional environmental changes or analyzing deforestation patterns, satellite imagery is often most efficient. In contrast, smaller, more detailed projects like infrastructure inspections are better suited to aerial or drone imagery.\r\n<h4>How accurate does your imagery need to be?<\/h4>\r\nAccuracy refers to how well the imagery aligns with real-world coordinates and features. While resolution determines the level of detail visible, accuracy ensures that those details are correctly positioned. Aerial and drone imagery, especially when paired with ground control points, can provide higher geospatial accuracy, making them ideal for projects requiring precise measurements or feature alignment.","snippet":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"<h2>Unlocking the Full Potential of Imagery in GIS<\/h2>\r\nArcGIS provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage, visualize, and analyze imagery, as well as create reality mapping products such as 3D meshes. By combining different types of imagery, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of your area of interest. You can also access imagery data from ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World and Content Store for ArcGIS, allowing you to make informed decisions without leaving your GIS workflow."}],"references":null},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.9 (Yoast SEO v25.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Navigating the Imagery Landscape | Summer 2026 | ArcNew<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out how to choose the best imagery for your project. Review the different types and learn about various capture methods.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Navigating the Imagery Landscape\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find out how to choose the best imagery for your project. Review the different types and learn about various capture methods.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Esri\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/esrigis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-30T21:23:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/arcnews-banner-navigating-wide.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Esri\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\n\t    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t    \"@graph\": [\n\t        {\n\t            \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n\t            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape\",\n\t            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape\",\n\t            \"name\": \"Navigating the Imagery Landscape | Summer 2026 | ArcNew\",\n\t            \"isPartOf\": {\n\t                \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/#website\"\n\t            },\n\t            \"datePublished\": \"2026-06-30T17:50:55+00:00\",\n\t            \"dateModified\": \"2026-06-30T21:23:08+00:00\",\n\t            \"description\": \"Find out how to choose the best imagery for your project. Review the different types and learn about various capture methods.\",\n\t            \"breadcrumb\": {\n\t                \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape#breadcrumb\"\n\t            },\n\t            \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\",\n\t            \"potentialAction\": [\n\t                {\n\t                    \"@type\": \"ReadAction\",\n\t                    \"target\": [\n\t                        \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape\"\n\t                    ]\n\t                }\n\t            ]\n\t        },\n\t        {\n\t            \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n\t            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape#breadcrumb\",\n\t            \"itemListElement\": [\n\t                {\n\t                    \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t                    \"position\": 1,\n\t                    \"name\": \"Home\",\n\t                    \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\"\n\t                },\n\t                {\n\t                    \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t                    \"position\": 2,\n\t                    \"name\": \"ArcNews Articles\",\n\t                    \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\"\n\t                },\n\t                {\n\t                    \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t                    \"position\": 3,\n\t                    \"name\": \"Navigating the Imagery Landscape\"\n\t                }\n\t            ]\n\t        },\n\t        {\n\t            \"@type\": \"WebSite\",\n\t            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/#website\",\n\t            \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/\",\n\t            \"name\": \"Esri\",\n\t            \"description\": \"Esri Newsroom\",\n\t            \"potentialAction\": [\n\t                {\n\t                    \"@type\": \"SearchAction\",\n\t                    \"target\": {\n\t                        \"@type\": \"EntryPoint\",\n\t                        \"urlTemplate\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/?s={search_term_string}\"\n\t                    },\n\t                    \"query-input\": {\n\t                        \"@type\": \"PropertyValueSpecification\",\n\t                        \"valueRequired\": true,\n\t                        \"valueName\": \"search_term_string\"\n\t                    }\n\t                }\n\t            ],\n\t            \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\"\n\t        },\n\t        {\n\t            \"@type\": \"Person\",\n\t            \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/#\/schema\/person\/2ea2e24ff1bf1335829717357eaf3b3a\",\n\t            \"name\": \"Lidia Davidson\",\n\t            \"image\": {\n\t                \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\t                \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\",\n\t                \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\n\t                \"url\": \"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/69fae831c26e7d10c2c6cdaff1c8c9f2e148d083fe79f851e5ad201f7793fad5?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\n\t                \"contentUrl\": \"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/69fae831c26e7d10c2c6cdaff1c8c9f2e148d083fe79f851e5ad201f7793fad5?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\n\t                \"caption\": \"Lidia Davidson\"\n\t            },\n\t            \"url\": \"\"\n\t        }\n\t    ]\n\t}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Navigating the Imagery Landscape | Summer 2026 | ArcNew","description":"Find out how to choose the best imagery for your project. Review the different types and learn about various capture methods.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Navigating the Imagery Landscape","og_description":"Find out how to choose the best imagery for your project. Review the different types and learn about various capture methods.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape","og_site_name":"Esri","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/esrigis\/","article_modified_time":"2026-06-30T21:23:08+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/arcnews-banner-navigating-wide.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@Esri","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape","url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape","name":"Navigating the Imagery Landscape | Summer 2026 | ArcNew","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-06-30T17:50:55+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-30T21:23:08+00:00","description":"Find out how to choose the best imagery for your project. Review the different types and learn about various capture methods.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/navigating-the-imagery-landscape#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"ArcNews Articles","item":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Navigating the Imagery Landscape"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/","name":"Esri","description":"Esri Newsroom","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/#\/schema\/person\/2ea2e24ff1bf1335829717357eaf3b3a","name":"Lidia Davidson","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/69fae831c26e7d10c2c6cdaff1c8c9f2e148d083fe79f851e5ad201f7793fad5?s=96&d=blank&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/69fae831c26e7d10c2c6cdaff1c8c9f2e148d083fe79f851e5ad201f7793fad5?s=96&d=blank&r=g","caption":"Lidia Davidson"},"url":""}]}},"sort_order":"6","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/arcnews\/773557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/arcnews"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/arcnews"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6921"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/arcnews\/773557\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=773557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=773557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=773557"},{"taxonomy":"arcnews_issues","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/arcnews_issues?post=773557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}