What is a panchromatic sensor designed to measure?

A panchromatic sensor is specifically designed to measure a single range of wavelengths, typically across the visible light spectrum. This means it captures data in a broad band that encompasses many wavelengths but does not differentiate between them. This results in a grayscale image, which is useful for applications requiring high spatial resolution because panchromatic sensors often provide finer detail than those that capture multiple spectral bands (like multispectral sensors).

The focus on capturing one range of wavelengths allows for clearer imagery and enhances the ability to discern fine details, making panchromatic imagery beneficial for tasks such as land use mapping, urban planning, and assessing natural resources. The broader the range of wavelengths captured in a single band, the more integrated the data becomes, leading to a unique set of features useful for interpretation.