Resolution

1. Resolution is the accuracy at which a given map scale can depict the location and shape of geographic features. The larger the map scale, the higher the possible resolution. As map scale decreases, resolution diminishes and feature boundaries must be smoothed, simplified, or not shown at all. For example, small areas may have to be represented as points.
2. Distance between sample points in a lattice.
3. Size of the smallest feature that can be represented in a surface.
4. The number of points in x and y in a grid or lattice (e.g., the resolution of a U.S. Geological Survey one-degree DEM is 1201 x 1201 mesh points).

Measures the sharpness of an image.

See DPI.

Degree of molecular detail on a physical map of DNA, ranging from low to high.

(1) The ability of a sensor to measure the separation of an image into its constituent objects so that single objects are visible and distinguishable. (2) A measurement of the smallest detail that can be distinguished by a sensor system under specific conditions.

ability of an image or an imaging system to capture fine detail Note: Resolution may be measured in dots per inch.

The number of pixels per unit distance in the image. Describes the sharpness and clarity of an image. See also pixel, pixels per inch (PPI).

Synonym resolving power.