| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Source and date | Is the image from a known provider, and when was it taken? Old images are often shared as new. |
| Resolution (GSD) | At 3 m per pixel you can see an aircraft but not determine its type; at 30 cm you can (see 3.4). |
| Shadows and sun position | Do the shadows match the stated time and place? Shadow length also gives the height of objects. |
| Type of image | Optical, infrared or SAR? A bright SAR return may be a vehicle — or a corner reflector. |
| Change | Compare with earlier images taken under the same conditions (SSO, see 2.6). |
Space Academy · Contents · Chapter 10 · §10.2 · Nederlandse versie
§10.2 Reading satellite imagery
An image is not proof: check first, then interpret.