Introducing datasets for next generation geostationary imager compression studies

Abstract

MODIS (MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and other satellite data have been staged (http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/goes/abi/bitdepthcompression/) for use in ABI (Advanced Baseline Imager) data compression studies. The 16-channel ABI is the next generation imager on the GOES-R (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) series. Most ABI bands can be simulated in this manner from MODIS observations. The advantage of using actual satellite observations is that the small-scale features are more realistic than those simulated from numerical models. High spatial resolution MODIS data have been spatially and radiometrically reformatted and posted for community use. This includes visible (VIS), near-infrared (IR) and IR bands. These images include weather/environmental phenomena, such as: fire and smoke, mountain waves, dust storms and clouds. There are several steps in these ABI simulations: select the original MODIS images for these various cases, select bands with similar central wavenumbers, de-stripe the IR bands, average to the ABI spatial resolution, subset over the area of interest, and correct for planned image bit depth. Sample METEOSAT-8 SEVIRI (Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager) data, from EUMETSAT (EUropean organization for the exploitation of METeorological SATellites), have also been posted. There are 11 spectral bands for 3 sequential times for those interested in compression of full disk images. Finally, unaltered GOES-12 Imager Full Disk images have been staged. There are five spectral bands for both a night and day case. There has been no post-processing on these non-MODIS images. Each of these datasets has advantages and disadvantages in so far as they represent what will be obtained from the ABI.