Processing, Data & Metrics

• Orthorectification:
  Process for correcting distortions in the image (caused by terrain or satellite angle) so everything lines up properly on a map.

• Pan-sharpening:
  Combining a low-res color image with a high-res black-and-white image to get a crisp, high-res color image.

• Mosaicking:
  Stitching multiple satellite images together to create one big seamless image of a region.

• Cloud-Free Composite:
  An image built from many snapshots over time to remove clouds and gaps — like a patchwork of the best parts.

• Radiometric Correction:
  Adjusting the image to account for differences in lighting, sensor noise, or atmosphere. Makes it more accurate.

• Bands:
  Different slices of the light spectrum. For example:

  • Red, Green, Blue = visible

  • NIR = Near-Infrared (great for plant health)

  • SWIR = Shortwave Infrared (picks up on water content, fires, minerals)

• False Color Image:
  An image where colors are reassigned to different bands to highlight specific features — like red for healthy vegetation.

• Spectral Signature:
  The unique “light fingerprint” of an object — every material reflects light differently across different bands. Helps identify things like crops, water, or urban areas.