WHICH SATELLITE IMAGE SHOULD BE USED FOR MAPPING

Abstract. Today, topographical mapping based on satellite images is a standard method. With the large number of very high-resolution optical satellites, it only a question of the Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) and the map scale to be generated. But the classical large-format satellite images are expensive. With the today’s variety of the classical small satellites (601kg to 1200kg) to Nano-satellites (1.1kg to 10kg) of 3U (10cm × 10cm × 30cm), various options are available that influence the economic solutions.

An overview of the accessible optical satellites is given, with some specific information on the mini-satellites that offer new economical solutions for topographic mapping. Significantly more optical satellites are currently in operation, but their images are used only for military purposes or they are restricted for national use due to lack of image storage and limited download possibilities.