Resolution

The resolution of a data set is defined as 'the smallest discernible unit or the smallest unit represented' (Aranoff, 1989).

For satellite images, the spatial resolution is equivalent to the size of the pixels making up the image. A pixel is the area of the Earth's surface represented by a single image value.

For thematic maps eg soil or land use maps, the resolution of the data is equal to the size of the smallest object that is represented, that is the minimum mapping unit.

It is important to note that data are produced at levels of accuracy and resolution that make them only appropriate for use at certain scales.