Ground Sampling Distance Calculator
Calculate flat nadir image ground sampling and a simple overlapping rectangular image grid.
YOUR CALCULATION
Result
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Calculation steps
Work through one step at a time or reveal the complete calculation. The steps use your current inputs.
How to calculate
Use a vertical pinhole projection, square pixel pitch and axis-aligned rectangular image footprints.
GSD=height×sensor width/(focal×pixel width); footprint width=height×sensor width/focal
Worked example
13.2 mm sensor width, 8.8 mm focal length and 100 m height give footprint width 150 m; at 5472 pixels the GSD is about 2.74122807 cm/pixel.
Assumptions and input details
Flat terrain, nadir view and calibrated pinhole parameters. Grid count uses ceil with first-image full coverage and subsequent overlap steps; no margins, turns, terrain, oblique views, flight operation, georeferencing accuracy or legal conditions are inferred.
Unit definitions
Unit selection is independent of language. Each selector contains only units for its physical quantity. Calculations use defined base units internally.
Choose from 23 length definitions, including explicitly labelled regional measures. Area conversions square the length factor; geometric volumes cube it.
Regional measures are not interchangeable merely because their names look similar. This is a documented selection, not a claim to include every historical unit.
NIST measurement tables · Japanese traditional units · Mainland China and Hong Kong unit distinctions
Using this calculator
Can I enter my own problem?
Yes. Replace the example values with your own inputs. The result, calculation steps, tables and applicable diagrams update from those inputs. Blank or invalid values clear the result; example values are never silently substituted for missing inputs.
Are the results exact?
Results use floating-point arithmetic and displayed rounding. Read the formula, assumptions and any stated data precision before interpreting the result.
Is my input uploaded?
The calculation runs in your browser. No account, file upload or external AI service is required. Inputs are not saved between page reloads.
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