Eastern Himalayas, satellite image. North is at top. Snow and cloud cover are white. The lower slopes of the mountains are covered by vegetation (green). Areas of barren earth (including the valley bottom) are brown. A large lake is at top right (light green). This image has been achieved using thematic mapper (TM) instrumentation. The TM sensor collects radiometric data in seven spectral bands. Each band gathers particular information on different surface features. The bands are combined to achieve a particular image. This image was achieved using Bands: 1, for water body penetration, differentiation of soil from vegetation, 2, for estimation of vegetation vigour and 3, for descrimination of vegetation types. The spectral range of these bands 0.45 to 0.69 micrometres.