How is satellite imagery useful in geodesy?

Satellite imagery plays a vital role in geodesy primarily because it provides detailed information about Earth's surface features and changes over time. This capability is critical in monitoring natural and anthropogenic changes, such as urban development, deforestation, land-use changes, and the effects of climate change.

Through high-resolution images captured from space, satellite remote sensing enables geodesists to analyze and interpret the earth's topography, vegetation, water bodies, and infrastructure with greater accuracy. These images can cover vast areas efficiently, allowing for comprehensive spatial analysis that would be impractical or overly resource-intensive with ground surveys alone.

While reducing the need for ground surveys and enhancing maps are helpful, the primary strength of satellite imagery lies in its ability to continuously collect large-scale data that reflects dynamic changes on the Earth’s surface. This ongoing collection and analysis are what make it invaluable in fields such as cartography, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.