A method for cross-comparison of scatterometer data using natural distributed targets: application to ERS-1 and ERS-2 data during the tandem mission

Anis Elyouncha; Xavier Neyt

doi:10.1117/12.975218

19 October 2012 A method for cross-comparison of scatterometer data using natural distributed targets: application to ERS-1 and ERS-2 data during the tandem mission

Anis Elyouncha, Xavier Neyt

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8532, Remote Sensing of the Ocean, Sea Ice, Coastal Waters, and Large Water Regions 2012; 85320O (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.975218
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2012, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

A methodology of cross-comparison of C-band spaceborne scatterometers is developed and applied to ERS-1 and ERS-2 scatterometers data. Assuming the differences between the instruments can be represented by an incidence-angle dependent bias, this paper presents and discusses four methods providing an estimate of that bias and of its standard deviation. These methods use natural distributed targets such as rainforest, ocean and sea ice, and are based on geophysical model functions, namely constant gamma model, CMOD5 and sea ice line model. The backscatter from the natural distributed targets is compared against a simulated backscatter providedby the models. Finally, the deviation of the two datasets from the models are comparedto yield a bias between the two scatterometers. The methodologyis applied to ERS-1 and ERS-2 data acquired during the tandem mission in 1996. Generally, the bias between the ERS-1 and ERS-2 scatterometers is smaller than 0.2 dB over most incidence angles and the four methods provide relatively consistent results. However, in order to achieve a consistent backscatter data, the scatterometers need to be inter-calibrated. The methodology can be useful to cross-calibrate scatterometers on-board other satellites (e.g. METOP, OceanSat-2, HY2A, etc.) in the view of the Global Climate Observing System guidelines.

Citation Download Citation

Anis Elyouncha and Xavier Neyt "A method for cross-comparison of scatterometer data using natural distributed targets: application to ERS-1 and ERS-2 data during the tandem mission", Proc. SPIE 8532, Remote Sensing of the Ocean, Sea Ice, Coastal Waters, and Large Water Regions 2012, 85320O (19 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.975218

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available