Calibration of the MEIS multispectral imager

Abstract The MEIS airborne multispectral imager was the first solid state linear array imager to provide data to the remote sensing community. The development started in the 1970's with the MEIS I and was followed in 1982 by the MEIS II as part of a multi-year Canadian program to evaluate pushbroom imager technology and to develop remote sensing applications. Since the MEIS is a linear array imager characterised by high quality radiometric, spectral and spatial performance, a major component of the development has been the design and operation of a laboratory calibration facility appropriate for such a system. The automated facility, developed specifically for calibration of multi-detector array systems such as MEIS, is a computer-controlled facility which is used to provide the mapping function of pixel to view angle, to provide the geometric precision of the imagery. It is also used for rapid acquisition of radiometric calibration data, and will play a valuable role in the validation of future systems, for example in the measurement of the modulation transfer function. The laboratory calibration has been accompanied by the investigation and development of correction algorithms for scene-related radiometric effects and aircraft-motion-induced geometric distortions.