4 - Atmospheric parameter retrieval and correction using hyperspectral data

Abstract

The sensor level radiance or reflectance acquired by any space/airborne imaging hyperspectral optical spectrometers contains coupled information about atmospheric constituents and the surface of the Earth. To derive quantitative information about atmospheric and surface constituents from the sensor level radiance or reflectance spectra, the decoupling of the measured spectra into the contribution from atmosphere and surface is required. In this chapter, first various techniques used for the retrieval of critical atmospheric parameters such as aerosol optical depth and water vapor using hyperspectral data are described, and second, various methods for the atmospheric correction of hyperspectral data to derive surface reflectance are presented. Example results of aerosol retrieval, water vapor retrieval, and surface reflectance using hyperspectral data acquired over the region of India by the Next Generation Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer are also presented.