Remote sensing and platform-induced errors: which of the following error sources can arise from the characteristics and motion of the sensor platform?

Introduction / Context:
In remote sensing, the platform (satellite or aircraft) affects geometry, scale, and radiometry. Variations in altitude, attitude, and orbit parameters lead to distortions and registration errors that must be modeled or corrected in preprocessing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Platform may be spaceborne (satellite) or airborne.
• Sensor collects imagery or other data over time.
• We focus on platform-induced geometric effects.

Concept / Approach:
Altitude (mean flying height) governs scale; altitude variation causes scale changes within/across scenes. Orbit drift alters ground track and local time of observation, affecting view geometry and illumination. Together, these induce planimetric distortions and misregistration if uncorrected.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize altitude as a first-order control on image scale (larger height → smaller scale).Identify altitude variation as a source of non-uniform scale and relief displacement differences.Acknowledge orbit drift as a change in ground track/revisit geometry, affecting geolocation and temporal consistency.Conclude that all listed factors are valid platform-related error sources.

Verification / Alternative check:
Photogrammetry and remote sensing texts list platform altitude/attitude and orbit control as primary contributors to geometric error budgets.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Picking any single factor omits other genuine platform-induced errors.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing sensor-internal distortions (lens, timing) with platform-induced geometric effects.

Final Answer:
All of these