Basic Radiometric Calibration of NOAA-AVHRR Data

All quantitative analysis of NOAA-AVHRR data should be based on real physical parameters derived from the imagery. In this chapter we cover the basic steps involved in the conversion of the raw digital numbers from the NOAA-AVHRR data stream into real physical quantities such as radiance, top-of-atmosphere reflectance and brightness temperature. Both preflight and inflight calibration of all NOAA AVHRR channels are covered in detail.