An accuracy assessment of some procedures for calibrating satellite imagery to a common radiometric reference

Many multitemporal change detection studies require calibrated sequences of satellite imagery to monitor changes in the Earth surface free of the affects of atmospheric and other influences. Two image calibration procedures were assessed for their ability to estimate the atmospheric contribution to the satellite signal from the calibration results. A sequence of TM and ETM+ imagery over Hay (93/84) was used in the analysis because of the availability of the necessary in situ data. The assessment focussed on the comparison of modeled (from in situ data) and estimated (from the calibration results) values of digital counts associated with a zero surface reflectance. Generally, best agreement with modeled values was observed for band 1-3. Bands 4-7 typically displayed poorer agreement with modeled values due mainly to the increased scatter about the regression lines.