Step 1
Load the image!

Step 2
Enhance contrast

Step 3
Select a band combination

Step 4
Georeference the image

Step 5
Enhance resolution

Step 6
Enhance sharpness

Step 7
Create maps and graphics

IMAGE PROCESSING EXAMPLE

At SkyTruth we routinely create maps, posters and graphics from digital satellite images.  Here's a quick look at some of the techniques we use to go from "raw" digital image data to finished end-products that help advocates and decisionmakers understand and communicate environmental issues.

This processing example will walk you through the methods we applied to an Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) satellite image of western Wyoming that was acquired by the Landsat-7 satellite on October 26, 1999. Landsat images cover an area of roughly 180 x 180 km. For this project our goal was to demonstrate the rapid growth in oil and gas drilling infrastructure – well sites, roads and pipelines – that has occurred over the past few years in this area.  The techniques you'll see here are generally useful for a wide range of applications.

Follow the Tutorial Step by Step >