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Noise Characterization and Performance of MODIS Thermal Emissive Bands
Sriharsha Madhavan1, Xiaoxiong Xiong2, Aisheng Wu1
1Science and Systems Applications Inc, 10210, Greenbelt Road, Lanham, MD 20706.
IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing : a Publication of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society
|August 21, 2020
Summary
The MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard Terra and Aqua spacecrafts has undergone extensive noise characterization. This analysis identified noisy and inoperable detectors in the Thermal Emissive Bands (TEB), ensuring data quality for Earth observation applications.
Area of Science:
- Earth Observation Science
- Remote Sensing Technology
- Instrument Calibration and Performance
Background:
- The MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors on Terra and Aqua spacecraft have operated beyond their design life.
- MODIS provides crucial Earth observation data with spectral coverage from 0.41 μm to 14.4 μm, including 16 Thermal Emissive Bands (TEB) at 1 km resolution.
- Accurate calibration of TEB Top Of Atmosphere (TOA) radiances relies on an onboard BlackBody (BB) source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the noise characterization and performance evaluation of MODIS Thermal Emissive Bands (TEB).
- To assess the stability of the onboard BlackBody (BB) calibration source.
- To identify noisy and inoperable detectors within the TEB for both Terra and Aqua MODIS instruments.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated the stability of the onboard BlackBody (BB) over various temperature cycles (Warm Up - Cool Down).
- Determined key noise metrics, including Noise Equivalent Temperature difference (NEdT) and Noise Equivalent dn difference (NEdN), using the BB, Space View (SV) port, and a characterized Earth View (EV) target (Dome C).
- Analyzed data from multiple temperature sources, including nominal BB temperatures and a wide temperature range (270 K - 315 K).
Main Results:
- The stability of the onboard BlackBody (BB) was evaluated as a critical component of the calibration process.
- Noise metrics (NEdT, NEdN) were quantified for various TEB detectors across different temperature conditions.
- A comprehensive list of noisy and inoperable TEB detectors for both Terra and Aqua MODIS has been compiled.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous noise characterization provides essential quality control for MODIS Level 1B calibrated products.
- The identified noisy/inoperable detectors enable users to better interpret and utilize MODIS TEB data.
- This performance assessment ensures continued reliability of MODIS data for scientific applications.
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