A shortwave radiation model for radiometric correction of optical satellite data in rugged terrain

An accurate land-use classification in rugged terrain requires precise correction of atmospheric and slope-aspect effects. This study evaluates the potential of a physical-based correction approach in the mountainous test site Beckenried in Central Switzerland. A Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) image, a fine-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and precise ground reference data for several land-use classes serve as the database. Atmospheric correction procedures are based on the CCRS-version of the radiative transfer code 5S. Predefined model data in 5S for atmospheric profiles are compared with actual radiosonde measurements. The approach for the retrieval of atmospherically corrected reflectances is evaluated also in regard to topographic illumination correction. The impact of slope and aspect are taken into account by modifying the irradiance components calculated by 5S for flat terrain to those of inclined terrain using the DEM