Land imaging system

Overview
Space-based land imaging systems of all types are essential because they provide repetitive and synoptic observations of the Earth otherwise unavailable to researchers and managers who work across wide geographical areas, disciplines, and applications. The information derived from such systems complements that obtained from other sources including airborne platforms and ground measurements and observations.

Moderate-resolution satellites are critical for frequent global monitoring of land-surface changes. Imagery at moderate resolution is best suited for detecting the impacts of global climate variability and change, population growth and movement, and changes in land use practices.

Source

 * A Plan for a U.S. National Land Imaging Program, at 1