Remote sensor data with spatial resolutions corresponding to 0-5-10m IFOV are required to define adequately the high frequency detail which characterizes the urban scene. Effective analyses of the small parcels, compact structures and narrow street patterns typical of Asian environments will necessitate data of much higher resolution than are required for Western countries. Consequently it is unlikely that satellite image data expected for the 1980s will replace aerial photographs as a primary source of information about urban areas.