Towards Accurate Radiometric Calibration of INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR IMAGER: Addressing Uncertainty and Error Sources

Abstract

ABSTRACT The proper radiometric calibration of the INSAT-3D and −3DR IMAGER is of utmost importance for effective weather forecasting and monitoring. Accurate and reliable images are crucial for predicting weather patterns, tracking storms, and assessing the impact of natural disasters. This research paper presents an evaluation of the radiometric calibration of the INSAT-3D and −3DR IMAGER using a reflectance-based method referenced to in-situ ground site measurements. Calibration campaigns were conducted at the Great Rann of Kutch (GROK) in Gujarat, India during February 2022 to ensure synchronous measurements of surface reflectance and atmospheric variables. In this study, the radiative transfer model called 6 SV (Second Simulation of a Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum Vector) was employed to simulate the Top-Of-Atmospheric (TOA) radiance. The calibration coefficients for the Visible (VIS) and Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) bands of the IMAGER were determined by comparing the TOA radiance obtained from the radiative transfer model with the Level 1B product of satellite data. The results convincingly demonstrate that the reflectance-based calibration method yields highly accurate and reliable radiometric calibration for both the VIS and SWIR bands of the INSAT-3D and −3DR IMAGER, with an uncertainty significantly smaller than the expected sensor degradation. Specifically, it was found that the VIS band of INSAT-3D underestimates the radiance value by 9.05%, while the VIS band of INSAT-3DR underestimates it by 4.88%. The study also discusses various sources of uncertainty and emphasizes the need for comprehensive uncertainty quantification to ensure the radiometric accuracy of the IMAGER data. Overall, the calibration results indicate that the absolute radiometric accuracy for the VIS and SWIR bands of the IMAGER on-board INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites is better than 4%. This research contributes to enhancing the reliability and usability of the INSAT-3D and −3DR IMAGER data for weather forecasting and monitoring applications.