Characterization of information content in remote sensing imagery

Remote sensing imagery acquired at various spatial and radiometric resolutions is used to estimate certain geophysical parameters, gauge the extent of geophysical phenomena, or detect the presence of specific targets. The information content in an image is related to several variables including resolution (both spatial and radiometric), the spatial scale of features to be recognized, the mean radiometric intensity and intensity distribution of various target types, as well as the image statistical characteristics. Textural measures appropriate for specific applications are analyzed in terms of resolution tradeoffs in order to yield the required information content.