Geostationary and polar satellites are distinct but complementary remote observing systems. This table compares the capabilities of the geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites. Note that major advantages of the polar satellites include the higher resolution of the AVHRR infrared channels (1 km field of view for POES versus 4 km for GOES) and a microwave sensing capability. Microwave imaging and sounding enables polar satellites to detect surface properties, measure atmospheric temperature and moisture in the presence of clouds, determine cloud composition, and monitor precipitation.

The term field of view is associated with the ground resolution from the detector's standard viewing location. A field of view is the solid angle through which a detector observes radiation.