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Ground Sample Distance Calculator — result sheet
Estimate ground sample distance per image pixel from altitude, sensor pixel pitch, and focal length.
Inputs used
Results
Visual chart
Breakdown
Calculation steps
Returned data table
Formula and methodology
Formula: GSD = altitude×pixel pitch/focal length after converting micrometres and millimetres to metres.
The pinhole projection relation translates sensor sampling into an approximate ground distance represented by one pixel.
This result follows the calculator's declared inputs, precision, validation boundaries, and model limits.
Input contract
- Sensor altitude — m; minimum 1.0E-6; maximum 1000000000
- Sensor pixel pitch — µm; minimum 1.0E-6; maximum 1000000
- Focal length — mm; minimum 1.0E-6; maximum 1000000
Worked example
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor altitude | 1000 |
| Sensor pixel pitch | 5 |
| Focal length | 50 |
GSD = 0.1 m/pixel.
Assumptions and limits
- Altitude, pixel pitch, and focal length are positive and the sensor is approximately nadir-facing.
- The pinhole projection is small-angle and flat-ground approximation.
- Terrain relief, lens distortion, attitude, atmospheric effects, and processing resolution are not modeled.
Calculator note
Source and methodology
Use the official WorldCalculate methodology policy for the source, formula, precision, and boundary standards behind this calculator.
Planning estimate, not financial, medical, legal, or professional advice. © WorldCalculate — reuse with attribution. Built and curated by Hassan ALRowaie.
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