What does the term "swath width" refer to in satellite imaging?

The term "swath width" is defined as the width of the ground area that a satellite images as it passes over. In satellite imaging, the satellite is equipped with sensors that capture data about the Earth's surface. As the satellite moves in its orbit, the swath represents the horizontal strip of terrain being covered by these sensors at any given moment. The swath width is crucial for determining the extent of area that can be captured in one pass, impacting how frequently a given area is imaged and how much data can be collected in a single overflight. This attribute is significant for various applications, such as environmental monitoring, land-use mapping, and disaster response, as it influences the resolution and coverage of datasets obtained from satellite imagery.

In contrast, the other options refer to different concepts associated with satellite operations or image processing but do not accurately define "swath width."