Satellite
Oceansat
Orbview 2
Sensor
OCM
Seawifs
Meris
Modis
Type
Com
Com
R&D
R&D
REA compatible
no
no
no
yes
Revisit time (days)
~2
~2
~3

~1

Near-real time
yes
yes
no
yes
Spatial resolution (m)
360
1100/4000
300/1200
250/1000
Swath width (km)
1420
2800
1150
2330
Number of bands
8
8
15
36
Country or Agency
India
USA
ESA
USA
Fronts/Eddies (biological)
yes
yes
yes

yes

Fronts/Eddies (thermal)
yes
Ice
Limited
Limited
Limited
Limited
Temperature (surface)
yes
Turbidity
yes
yes
yes
yes
Water Colour
yes
yes
yes
yes

1. The table includes polar-orbiting, multispectral sensors that are functional as of May 2006 and for which imagery is readily available. Listed sensors are designed primarily for terrestrial applications, but have coastal applications.
2. A "yes" in an applications row means the application is reasonably well founded. A "limited" means the sensor is not optimal for this application but merits consideration.
3. REA compatible sensors are considered by OEA Technologies to be useful for Rapid Environmental Assessment. They have an effective revisit time at mid-latitudes that is at least daily and deliver data in near-real time.
4. Revisit time refers to either the satellite's orbit recycle time or the sensor's effective revisit time (identified with a "~") at mid-latitudes. Revisit time varies with latitude and sensor configuration, and certain programs have a constellation of satellites.
5. Near-real time satellite programs deliver data to the user within two hours of satellite overpass.
6. Type: (Com)mercial, (Met)eorology, (Mil)itary, (R&D) research & development. Imagery produced from commercial satellite sensors must be purchased. R&D satellites are usually owned by space agencies and the imagery is available free-of-charge. Meteorology and Military satellites are owned by public agencies and meet prescribed operational requirements.
7. Errors: If you observe any errors or omissions in the table please Contact Us.