ABSTRACT
For Earth observation, more than 320 satellite missions have either been launched or been planned (Earth Observation Resources 2008). For civilian applications, around 80 medium or high resolution satellites, with ground resolutions of better than 39 m, have been developed or are in the development process. Among the medium or high resolution satellites, more than 30 optical satellites are already in orbit and more than 25 other satellites are planned for launch before 2011 (Stoney 2006, Earth Observation Resources 2008). Table 14.1 gives an overview of the spatial and spectral characteristics of most optical satellites with a spatial resolution of equal to or better than 32 m.
