Application of QA4EO principles to SCIAMACHY Level 1 data

Abstract

QA4EO seeks to improve interoperability of Earth observations made by different instruments. This is achieved through the establishment of the key principle that all data products should have associated with them a Quality indicator based on documented evidence of traceability to internationally agreed standards. QA4EO provides guidance on how best to follow and demonstrate this principle in a harmonious manner through a set of key guidelines. QA4EO makes clear that traceability for data products, starts with the on-ground calibration and goes up to derived products used in e.g. model and assimilation applications. The basis of all derived products are usually Level 1 data, which combine on-ground calibration with in-flight monitoring and calibration measurements. In the case of SCIAMACHY, the Level 1b data product comprises raw and geolocated data accompanied by all calibration parameters needed to generate the so-called Level 1c product with radiances as a function of wavelength. The mission concept includes frequent in-flight calibration and monitoring measurements. In this paper we discuss the application of QA4EO principles to operational Level 0-1 processing and the possibility to derive quality indicators from CEOS endorsed vicarious calibration sites (e.g. DOME-C campaign) for SCIAMACHY data.