Question

The ability of a sensor to distinguish between different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation is called:

• A. Spatial resolution
• B. Temporal resolution
• C. Spectral resolution
• D. Radiometric resolution

Hint:

Types of remote sensing resolution: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \text{Spatial} &\rightarrow \text{Object size} \text{Spectral} &\rightarrow \text{Wavelength} \text{Radiometric} &\rightarrow \text{Energy level} \text{Temporal} &\rightarrow \text{Revisit time} \end{aligned} } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Resolution is the capability of a remote sensing sensor to distinguish details in the collected data. Spectral resolution refers to the ability of a sensor to discriminate between closely spaced wavelength bands.

Step 1: Recall different types of resolution.
• Spatial resolution $\rightarrow$ Smallest object that can be detected.
• Spectral resolution $\rightarrow$ Ability to distinguish different wavelengths.
• Radiometric resolution $\rightarrow$ Ability to distinguish slight differences in energy.
• Temporal resolution $\rightarrow$ Frequency of revisiting the same area.

Step 2: Identify the required resolution. Since the question concerns distinguishing different wavelengths, \[ \boxed{\text{Spectral Resolution}} \] is the correct answer. Therefore, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(C)\;\text{Spectral resolution}.} \]