Application Of 3-D Radiative Transfer Theory To Atmospheric Correction Of Land Surface Images

For certain types of land scenes, the computation of atmospheric effects on remotely-sensed imagery must include consideration of scattering processing requiring the usage of three-dimensional radiative transfer theory. Development of correction algorithms to compensate for these effects in satellite imagery must therefore incorporate this theory into the mathematical formalism. We describe the theoretical basis for this assertion and suggest methods by which such corrections can be accomplished. In addition to development of a correction algorithm, estimation of the optical properties of the atmospheric aerosoIs is also necessary. We describe a technique, based on three-dimensional radiative transfer theory, for estimating an important atmospheric parameter, the aerosol opacity.