Pixel-based Minnaert Correction Method for Reducing Topographic Effects on a Landsat 7 ETM+ Image

Abstract

The topographic effect on land surface reflectance is an important factor affecting quantitative analysis of remotely sensed data in mountainous regions. Different approaches have been developed to reduce topographical effects. Of the many methods, the Minnaert correction method is most frequently used for topographic correction, but a single global Minnaert value used in previous research cannot effectively reduce topographic effects on the remotely sensed data, especially in the areas with steep slopes. This paper explores the method to develop a pixel-based Minnaert coefficient image based on the established relationship between Minnaert coefficients and topographic slopes. A texture measure based on homogeneity is used to eva-luate the topographic correction result. This study has demonstrated promising in reducing topographic effects on the Landsat ETM+ image with the pixel-based Minnnaert correction method.