A to Z GIS | Explore this related guide, featuring updated terms and graphics and developed in coordination with Esri’s GIS Dictionary team.
Learn more about A to Z GIS
GIS Dictionary
Browse dictionary
sampling
URL copiedShare URL
[data capture]
The collection of data for only a portion of the region or population used to make inferences about the characteristics of the population from which the portion (sample) was drawn.
[remote sensing]
In imagery, the capture and recording of a discrete, spatial, electromagnetic signal with a sensor. For electro-optical sensors, sampling rate is determined by the optics and spacing of photosensitive cells on the focal plane, resulting in a point spread function and other source image characteristics. If an image is geometrically processed further, it is considered resampled.