MAPSAT compared to other earth-sensing concepts

Abstract

The instrument systems and operational capabilities of MAPSAT are discussed. The satellite is based on LANDSAT technology and includes the following concepts: global coverage on a continuous basis; open data dissemination in reasonable time and cost; variable resolution, swath-width, stereoscopic and multispectral capabilities; 1:50,000-scale image mapping with a 20-m contour interval; continuity with LANDSAT-1,-2, and -3 including the same basic data transmission and reception system; and one-dimensional data processing