Ground Sample Distance (GSD) Calculator

GSD Calculator

Pre-mission drone surveying accuracy check.

#1

Pick a Drone / Sensor

Choose a drone/sensor, or enter specific parameters
in the customiser.

#2

Flight Height

Mission flight height, in metres or feet.

#3

Customise Sensor

Click the button to customise your sensor parameters.

Image dimensions

px

px

Sensor dimensions

mm

mm

mm

GSD:



GSDw:
GSDh:


What is Ground Sample Distance (GSD)?

Ground Sample Distance (GSD) is the distance between the centre of two adjacent pixels measured on the ground.

It is a measure of accuracy in mapping and remote sensing operations.


How to calculate GSD

The GSD is calculated by taking the distance between the camera and the ground and dividing by the focal length of the camera. The focal length is the distance between the camera lens and the image sensor.

GSD can be calculated using image and sensor heights or widths, or both.

  • GSDh = flight height x sensor height / focal length x image height;
  • GSDw = flight height x sensor width / focal length x image width

In that case, use the GSD value which gives you the least accuracy to ensure you are using the worst-case scenario. Higher numbers mean less accuracy when it comes to measuring GSD.