Initial analysis of ocean color data from the ocean color and temperature scanner. II. Geometric and radiometric analysis

We assessed the geometric and radiometric performance of the ocean color an d temperature scanner (OCTS) using data acquired over the United States. In itial results indicated a geometric offset in the along-track direction of 4-5 pixels that was attributed to a tilt bias. OCTS radiometric data appear ed to suffer from near-held and possibly far-field scatter effects. Analysi s of radiometric stability was inconclusive because of daily variability an d the absence of a full seasonal cycle. Comparison of OCTS-computed water-l eaving radiances with colocated in situ measurements showed that the prelau nch. calibration required adjustment from -2% to + 13%. Minor modification of OCTS data processing based on these results and avoidance of near-field scatter effects can enable improved and more-reliable OCTS data for quantit ative scientific analyses. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America. OCIS codes: 010.4450, 280.0280, 110.2960, 110.3000.