What term describes the resolution determined by the pixel spacing of a sensor on the Earth's surface?

The term that describes the resolution determined by the pixel spacing of a sensor on the Earth's surface is spatial resolution. Spatial resolution refers to the smallest object size that can be resolved by the sensor, which is directly related to the pixel dimensions of the captured imagery. When a sensor has finer pixel spacing, it can capture more detailed information about the Earth's surface, allowing for the identification and observation of smaller features.

In the context of remote sensing, spatial resolution is critical because it affects the level of detail that can be analyzed in satellite or aerial imagery. Higher spatial resolution means that more detail can be captured, which is essential for many applications, such as mapping, land use planning, and environmental monitoring.

The other terms, while related to imaging and sensing, refer to different aspects: temporal resolution describes the frequency of image capture over time, spectral resolution refers to the ability to distinguish between different wavelengths of light, and angular resolution pertains to the sensor's ability to differentiate between two objects at a given angle. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why spatial resolution is specifically tied to pixel spacing and the detail of surface imagery.