Calibration of space-multispectral imaging sensors: A review

This article is a review of the various methods in use, or under developmen t, to calibrate space-multispectral- imaging-systems in the solar-reflectiv e range. We introduce the subject by distinguishing between absolute and re lative calibration, briefly discussing the use of scene and sensor models, and describing five calibration desiderata. We then briefly describe the di fferent types of existing methods, highlighting their advantages and disadv antages, making the distinction between: preflight, onboard, and vicarious calibration. The different types of radiometric calibration: absolute, mult itemporal, interband, and intersensor are mentioned with their related cons traints. Finally, recommendations are made on how to improve these methods so that the scientific community may obtain remote-sensing data of the high est quality. (C) Elsevier Science Inc., 1999.