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Choosing the Right Orthoimagery Resolution
Orthophotography can vary greatly in accuracy and pixel resolution. Pixel resolution (a single point in a graphic image) refers to the actual distance on the ground each pixel represents in the orthophotography.
For example, one-foot pixel resolution means each pixel in the image covers one foot on the ground. Some common resolutions include three-inch, six-inch, and one-foot. The higher the resolution (i.e., three-inch per pixel), the greater the visible detail.
 
   
         

12" Resolution Orthophotography
Generally captured at higher altitudes, 12-inch resolution orthophotography provides a greater scale at a lower resolution. It is a cost effective way to collect large-area projects in time constrained environments.

  • Key identifiable features:
    -Paved Roads
    -Airfields
    -Railroads
    -Buildings
    -Hydrology
    -Forested Areas
    -Quarries

  • Typical uses:
    -Regional/rural planning
    -Tax assessment
    -Building counts
    -Change detection
    -Land cover trends
    -Watershed management
    -Forestry management
    -Highway mapping

   

6" Resolution Orthophotography
Six-inch resolution orthophotography is an increasingly standard resolution option. The 6" resolution ortho product yields greater accuracy and greater detail, as well as better inherent positional accuracy.

  • Key identifiable features:
    -Roads - Paved and unpaved
    -Parking Lots and Driveways
    - Lakes, ponds, rivers and streams
    -Culverts and headwalls
    -Property line fences
    -Utility Poles

  • Typical uses:
    -State planning
    -Land boundaries
    -Planimetric
    -Pervious/impervious surface
    -Feature identification
    -Stormwater management
    -Natural resource management
    -Irrigated/non-irrigated land
   

3"-4" Resolution Orthophotography
CAptured at lower altitudes, High resolution orthophotography has the greatest resolution, providing a product that captures the greatest visible detail and has the best innate positional accuracy available.

  • Key identifiable features:
    -Utilities - fire hydrants, manholes, catch basins
    -Power and light poles
    -Billboards and traffic signs
    -Curbs and gutter
    -Transportation paint lines
    -Single trees and shrubs
    -Golf course - tees, greens, fairways, sandtrap

  • Typical uses:
    -Urban planning and zoning
    -Contour development
    -Asset management
    -3D Modeling
    -Utility / pipeline mapping
    -Land development,
    -Transportation / corridor projects
    -Volumetric analysis
    -Civil engineering