GeoComp-n, an advanced system for generating products from coarse and medium resolution optical satellite data. Part 1: System characterization

Abstract

The Geocoding and Compositing System (GeoComp) developed at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS), Natural Resources Canada, has been processing Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) series of satellites since 1992. GeoComp (Robertson et al., 1992) was designed to produce systematic, map-compatible, multi-date composite images over large areas with reduced or no cloud content. In 1995, a revision of the original system was proposed to improve the design based on experience gained from the system's operation, to incorporate many advances in computer hardware, and to introduce value-added products resulting from the research that used GeoComp. The new system was called GeoComp-n for the "next generation" of GeoComp processors. Technical improvements designed into GeoComp-n include a modular system architecture, a fully functional operator graphical user interface and a revamped data product format. The initial version of the system was delivered in March 1999, the validation of the data layers was completed in July 1999, and the system has been used operationally at the Manitoba Centre for Remote Sensing since 2000. In this paper, the authors describe GeoComp-n and the wide range of products that are generated through its operation.