Topographic mapping from space imagery has become possible on an operational basis using the SPOT system. The quantitative use of SPOT images requires that the inherent geometric distortions be corrected to a desired map projection. The most commonly used modeling technique is to apply low-order polynomials using least squares method and ground control points to empirically correct these distortions. The purpose of this paper is to determine the planimetric accuracy of SPOT images obtained using the polynomial rectification model, and to study the effect of the number, distribution, and accuracy of ground control points on the spatial accuracy of SPOT imagery. A SPOT panchromatic image covering the area of Mahallet Roh town, EI-Gharbiia, Egypt was used, and five low-order polynomials were applied. Up to twenty- five GCPs with different distributions were employed. The results show the relations between each factor of the ground control system (number — distribution — accuracy) and the planimetric accuracy of SPOT images.