Anisotropy information from MOMS-02/PRIRODA stereo datasets - an additional physical parameter for land surface characterisation

Abstract

Multispectral and stereo band evaluations of mode D data (Blue, NIR, Pan fore and aft) from the MOMS-2P mission on MIR are presented. Along-track MOMS-02 stereo datasets are observations of the earth surface from three distinct view directions with the same illumination conditions. MOMS-02 mode D data allows to investigate three out of five signature types known in remote sensing: spatial, spectral and angular signatures. The remotely sensed signal is always a combination of these three signature types. Visual as well as computer based analysis indicates, that the result of multispectral and anisotropy based calssification is determined by different biophysical parameters. In case of vegetation, the spectral approach explores mainly the absorption of incoming radiation by pigments and water, while the anisotropy information is due to stand structure and plant architecture. The synergistic potential of the combined use of multispectral and anisotropy information is pointed out by the increase of the classification accuracy for the combined multispectral and stereo bands evaluation. The results of visual interpretation led to the conclusion that a further substantial increase can be expected using common classification routines. For the retrieval of bio-and geo-physical parameters, the accurate radiometric correction is of decisive importance. Both, radiometric calibration of the sensor, as well as the correction for atmospheric attenuation, are to be performed before a quantitative data analysis. The method used for the radiometric calibration of the MOMS-2P CCD sensor lines used for multispectral and stereo data registration is presented and the results are briefly discussed. The correction for atmospheric attenuation of the stereo data is still under investigation. Due to differing illumination-to-sensor angle for the three view directions of a stereo dataset, each band is corrected individually. The problem is the correct estimation of aerosol type and aerosol scattering function determination.