IKONOS is reputedly the world's first commercial, high-resolution imaging satellite, which, taking its name from the Greek word for "image", stands to revolutionize the commercial remote sensing industry. The reason for such expectations is the high resolution 1m panchromatic imagery of its Kodak built digital camera being available to the commercial market for the first time. The availability of the 1m black and white and 4m multi-spectral digital images at a frequency of 1 to 3 days if required, gives, along with OrbView 4, EROS B and Quickbird, a new level of detail in satellite imagery at commercially economic prices.