LANDSAT MSS sensor and data preprocessing

Abstract

The material in this paper provides an introduction to the Multispectral Scanner (MSS) subsystems used in the LANDSAT series of satellites, highlighting those aspects of the sensor and of the spacecraft orbital characteristics which facilitate an understanding of the range of data processing and of the preprocessing methodology. The functionality of the on‐board radipmetric calibration device is outlined, and its utilization within the absolute radiometric calibration procedure is defined. The scanning geometry, and the spatial and radiometric traits of individual samples of data recorded by the MSS are discussed in some detail, after which the samples are placed in the context of a complete scene. This leads to a description of the geometric and radiometric relationship between the information stored in one scene of raw data and the corresponding ground area. The specific preprocessing methods utilized for the generation of either film or Computer Compatible Tape (CCT) products in the Canadian production...