Thematic Mapper
One of the Earth observing sensors introduced in the Landsat program. A Thematic Mapper (TM) was first placed aboard Landsat 4 (decommissioned in 2001), and one is still operational aboard Landsat 5. TM sensors feature seven bands of image data (three in visible wavelengths, four in infrared) most of which have 30 metre spatial resolution. TM is a whisk broom scanner which takes multi-spectral images across its ground track.
The Thematic Mapper has become a useful tool in the study of albedo and its relationship to global warming and climate change. The TM on the Landsat 5 has proven useful in determining the amount of ice loss on glaciers due to melting.
Landsat 7 carries an enhanced TM sensor known as the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+).
[edit] External links
- NASA's web page on the Thematic Mapper lists sensor specifics.
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