The high-resolution data was useful for applications such as urban planning and mapping, while the average resolution was used for vegetation discrimination, land mapping, and natural resources management.

IRS-1C and IRS-1D were second generation remote sensing satellites developed by ISRO to carry three distinct and mutually complementary imaging payloads. The combination of payloads enhanced the capabilities of IRS-1C/1D as compared to the predecessor IRS-1A/1B in terms of spatial resolution, provision of an additional spectral band, ability to acquire stereoscopic images and inclusion of a wide field sensor for improved temporal resolution.

Scientific mission objectives of IRS-1C and 1D were:

• To design, develop, launch and operate state-of-the-art three axis body stabilised satellite for providing continued space based remote sensing services to the user community with enhanced resolution capability compared to IRS-1A/1B.
• To develop further new areas of user applications to take full advantages of the enhanced resolution and capacity of IRS-1C/1D spacecraft.