Thematic Mapper

One of the Earth observing sensors introduced in the Landsat program. A Thematic Mapper (TM) was first placed aboard Landsat 4 (decommissioned in 2001), and one is still operational aboard Landsat 5 as of May 2007. TM sensors feature seven bands of image data (three in visible wavelengths, four in infrared) most of which have 30 meter resolution.

The Thematic Mapper has become a useful tool in the study of albedo and its relationship to global warming and climate change. The TM on the Lansat 5 has proven useful in determining the amount of ice loss on glaciers due to melting.

Landsat 7 carries an enhanced TM sensor known as the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+).

NASA's web page on the [http://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/about/tm.html Thematic Mapper] lists sensor specifics.