| AVHRR/3 Channel Characteristics | |||
| Channel Number | Resolution at Nadir | Wavelength (μm) | Typical Use |
| 1 | 1.09 km | 0.58 - 0.68 | Daytime cloud and surface mapping |
| 2 | 1.09 km | 0.725 - 1.000 | Land-water boundaries |
| 3A | 1.09 km | 1.58 - 1.64 | Snow and ice detection |
| 3B | 1.09 km | 3.55 - 3.93 | Night cloud mapping, sea surface temperature |
| 4 | 1.09 km | 10.3 - 11.3 | Night cloud mapping, sea surface temperature |
| 5 | 1.09 km | 11.5 - 12.5 | Sea surface temperature |