What capability distinguishes a multispectral sensor from a panchromatic sensor?

A multispectral sensor is distinguished from a panchromatic sensor by its capability to measure multiple wavelength bands simultaneously. This characteristic allows multispectral sensors to capture data across various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible light, infrared, and sometimes even ultraviolet. Different bands can provide unique information about the targets being studied, such as vegetation health, soil moisture, water quality, and land use.

In contrast, a panchromatic sensor captures data in a single wide band, usually encompassing the visible spectrum, producing a high-resolution grayscale image. This means that while panchromatic sensors can provide detailed spatial resolution, they do not offer the spectral information that multispectral sensors do. The ability to analyze different wavelength bands simultaneously is crucial for various applications in remote sensing, including agriculture, forestry, environmental monitoring, and urban planning.