GSD Calculator – Ground Sample Distance

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the camera sensor width in millimeters (found in camera specifications).
2. Enter the image width in pixels (the horizontal resolution of your camera).
3. Enter the focal length in millimeters (the lens focal length).
4. Enter the flight height in meters (altitude above ground).
5. The calculator displays the GSD in cm/pixel, mm/pixel, and inches/pixel.

GSD Formula

Ground Sample Distance is calculated from sensor, image, and flight parameters:

Example: 23.5mm sensor, 100m height, 24mm lens, 6000px width: GSD = (23.5 × 100) / (24 × 6000) × 10 = 1.63 cm/pixel. This means each pixel represents 1.63 cm on the ground.

Full Description

Ground Sample Distance (GSD) is a critical parameter in aerial photography, mapping, and photogrammetry. It represents the distance between pixel centers on the ground, measured in centimeters or inches per pixel. GSD determines the spatial resolution of your imagery—smaller GSD means higher resolution and more detail, while larger GSD means lower resolution and less detail.

GSD depends on four factors: sensor width (physical size of the camera sensor), image width (number of pixels), focal length (lens focal length), and flight height (altitude above ground). Higher flight altitudes or shorter focal lengths increase GSD (reduce resolution), while lower altitudes or longer focal lengths decrease GSD (increase resolution). Understanding GSD helps you plan flight missions, select appropriate equipment, and ensure your imagery meets resolution requirements.

This calculator helps you determine GSD for your aerial photography setup. Enter sensor width, image width, focal length, and flight height, and it calculates the GSD. Use it when planning drone missions, selecting cameras and lenses, understanding image resolution, or ensuring your imagery meets project requirements. GSD is fundamental to aerial mapping and photogrammetry.

Frequently Asked Questions