Temporal resolution is defined as the frequency at which images are recorded/captured in a specific place on the earth. The more frequently it is captured, the better or finer the temporal resolution is said to be. For example, a sensor that captures an image of the White House twice a day has better temporal resolution than a sensor that only captures that same image once a week.

Temporal resolution can be very important when choosing imagery. If your goal is to look for the quick response of vegetation to summer storms, you will want imagery that is captured at once a week, if not more frequently. If you are simply trying to document the annual growth of urban sprawl, then an annual image would suffice.

Sensors such as the AVHRR capture images more frequently than sensors such as the Landsat TM. Satellite imagery usually has a set temporal resolution. If you hire an aerial photographer, however, you can attain imagery at whatever temporal resolution you desire.