This MERIS (MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) false colour image displays the East African island of Madagascar, the Comoros Islands can also be seen to the North West just poking through the clouds.

The spectral bands have been chosen to highlight the different types of vegetation on the island. The bright yellow in the east and the north represents the extent of the tropical rain forest. The more red tones in the middle represent more highland areas, with the capitol Antananarivo near the centre of the island can be found. To the west of the island the green tones represent deciduous forest.

Technical Information:
Instrument: MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS)
Date of Acquisition: 13 th August 2003
Orbit number: 07589
Instrument features: Reduced Resolution image (1200 - metre resolution)
Coordinates:
NE Lat/Long: -6.00 / 53.80 E
NW Lat/Long: -3.73 / 43.55 E
SW Lat/Long: -27.39 / 37.29 E
SE Lat/Long: -29.78 / 48.89 E