A better understanding of the role mesoscale convective systems (MCS) play in the formation stages of tropical cyclones will increase the ability to predict their occurrence and motion. This thesis employs high-resolution satellite imagery to observe the interaction between MCSs and their environment. Specifically, thirteen cases of tropical disturbances that eventually developed into tropical cyclones are analyzed to determine the role of MCSs in increasing the system organization. Following two conceptual models developed during the Tropical Cyclone Motion (TCM-93) mini-field experiment, each tropical cyclone is classified according to the relative importance of MCS activity to its development. Both conceptual models are verified through analysis and a third model is created to account for tropical cyclone developments that share features of the previous two models. An alternate approach is proposed for determining tropical system organization using only visible and infrared satellite imagery.