Module 7 - Remote Sensing - Multispectral Analysis

Three examples of ground features emphasized by Spectral Band Combinations.

This week in Remote Sensing, we learned about multispectral analysis, specifically with Landsat TM 5 imagery in Washington State.  The image we looked at has 6 spectral bands that can be examined one at a time with gray scale imagery, or in combinations, displayed in Red, Green and Blue (RGB).
The bands in this Landsat imagery are 1, 2, and 3, which are the visible wavelengths of red, Band 3,or Near Infrared (NIR), and Bands 5 and 7, which are Middle Infrared.  Any combination of 3 bands can be used, represented by the visible red, green and blue in the display.  Each of the example features on the left is shown in a different combination, which best emphasizes deep or shallow water and snow, for example.