SUMMARY
The Ground Sample Distance (GSD) the distance between the pixel centres, measured on the ground.
IN-DEPTH
The GSD depends on the camera parameters such as focal length, sensor resolution and sensor size and the distance to the ground.
With the help of our calculators, you can determine the GSD and also take into account the motion blur due to the ground speed.
Phase One has several calculators which are linked below.
Flight calculator for manned aircraft
https://flightcalculator.phaseone.com/
Updated calculator for iXM250 and RSX lenses
Flight calculator for unmanned vehicles.
To avoid motion blur, the value for distance ∆Xi (distance covered in the image/ on sensor during the exposure time) should ideally not exceed 1 pixel. The value for ∆X (distance covered on the ground during the exposure time) should not exceed the desired GSD.
The calculators will provide warning if blur is too great.