Panchromatic - Multispectral Comparison

Question7
The SPOT multi-spectral false color image  at the top of the page shows vegetation in red. Vegetation jumps out on the image when compared to the panchromatic image below in gray scale.
   The SPOT panchromatic image appears clearer and more in focus and the white areas (sand, roads and buildings) really are contrasted compared with the darker vegetation and water areas. Also, the below ocean surfaces show greater detail.
   I think the panchromatic image may be more suitable when measuring beach erosion after a storm or longshore flow given the way the sand jumps out on the image. Aslo, man made structures such as roads appear clearer in the panchromatic image. The multi-spectral color image appears well suited for vegetation studies both on land and possibly at the ocean surface (algae blooms, plankton etc...).

Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles

Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles (DOQ) have many positives
but there are a few negatives in using them. They include:
a small area of coverage and a straight down perspective which shows no relief or the ability to perceive depth.
DOQ's generally are used as base maps and need other layers to get much usable data.
Also, DOQ's are current only when made and my guess is they would be outdated quickly unless a new aerial photo is scanned and processed.