Abstract

Quantifying airborne thermal infrared data has been a problem since the technology was created. A procedure is outlined to describe general ground truth measurements and their purpose. Specific ground truth procedures and equipment are detailed in a sample field deployment. The placement of instruments and equipment is discussed to make the user more aware of potential problems. Instruments utilized are radiometers, meteorological stations, and radiosondes. Equipment used includes reflectance/emittance targets, spatial resolution targets, and a water bath. A brief discussion of the reasons behind acquiring the ground truth data and how the measurements fit into the equations. This helps the ground truth personnel appreciate how small measurement errors can create major problems in the data analysis. The thermal infrared imager has to be characterized in order to quantify the data acquired in the field. A procedure for the characterization of the thermal infrared system response in the 8 micrometer to 13 micrometer band is outlined. The acquisition of data presenting the actual data flights is discussed. The sequence of ground truth data acquisition is presented. Particular attention is paid to acquiring time critical and non-time critical ground truth measurements. Sample data are presented to demonstrate the effect of ground truth measurements on thermal infrared data. The effect on quantifying relative temperature difference and absolute temperature differences is highlighted with respect to inadequate and less accurate data than desired.

Full Text
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