The Landsat5 Thematic Mapper is a a nadir-viewing, seven-band multi-spectral scanning radiometer instrument, almost identical to the LS4 TM. It was launched in 1984 and was in operation until at least April 2003. The Landsat TM sensor is capable of providing low to medium-resolution imaging information of the Earth's surface. The TM data are scanned simultaneously in seven spectral bands. Band 6 scans thermal (heat) infrared radiation. Spectral and spatial characteristics of these bands are shown below:

Band no. 1
Spectral range: .450 to .520 micrometres Ground resolution: 30 m
Band no. 2
Spectral range: .520 to .600 micrometres Ground resolution: 30 m
Band no. 3
Spectral range: .630 to .690 micrometres Ground resolution: 30 m
Band no. 4
Spectral range: .775 to .900 micrometres Ground resolution: 30 m
Band no. 5
Spectral range: 1.550 to 1.750 micrometres Ground resolution: 30 m
Band no. 6
Spectral range: 10.40 to 12.50 micrometres Ground resolution: 120 m
Band no. 7
Spectral range: 2.080 to 2.350 micrometres Ground resolution: 30 m