Review Article Radiometric correction of visible and infrared remote sensing data at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing

Abstract

This article reviews experience in radiometric corrections of satellite and airborne remote sensing data at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) during the period 1972 to 1986. It also describes current research areas and recommends areas of future research where high priority is important for global change monitoring and for the derivation of quantitative information from remotely-sensed data in the solar reflective spectral regions. Throughout its history, CCRS has directed its efforts towards meeting specific needs. For satellite data (Landsat MSS, Thematic Mapper, AVHRR, and now SPOT HRV), the progression has been from relative calibration of detector elements (destriping) to absolute radiometric calibration of digital data. The routine use of atmospheric corrections and a priori knowledge of terrain reflectance properties have been introduced into the generation of specialized digital enhancements for photographic products. This has required the investigation of a wide range of radiometry-related problems and the embodiment of the results into production systems. As these results move from the research stage into operational use, other problems are becoming important, particularly view angle effects and radiometric effects induced by topography. A concurrent issue demanding attention is the need for more accurate radiometric calibration and intercalibration of sensors from a number of satellites including Landsats 1-5, SPOT and NOAA 6-10. Airborne sensors at CCRS have received similar attention. Again, the emphasis has been on routine application of accurate correction techniques in a production environment and the progression has been from relative calibration to absolute calibration to the current work towards routine atmospheric corrections. Particular characteristics of airborne sensors have often required innovative solutions, which are briefly described in the article, with references to more detailed descriptions.