The Thematic Mapper---An Overview

The Thematic Mapper (TM) is a second-generation Earth resources sensor built by Hughes Aircraft Company for NASA for the LANDSAT series of spacecraft. The TM was placed in orbit aboard the LANDSAT-D spacecraft in July of 1982. Its predecessor, the Multispectral Scanner (MSS) has flown on LANDSAT´s 1 through 3 and accompanies the TM on LANDSAT-D. The need for improved performance was recognized prior to the launch of the first MSS on LANDSAT-1 in 1972. The performance specifications for the TM were formulated to produce performance improvements in the next generation sensor. This paper will provide an overview of TM and will briefly discuss the LANDSAT-D mission and orbit, TM design, instrument performance, and program status.