Estimating bidirectional angles in NOAA AVHRR images

Abstract

In studies concerning the surface bidirectional re ectance distribution function (BRDF) and thermal-infrared multiangular emissions, Sun-sensor geometry must be known. This Letter provides a potential and simple method for NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) users to estimate the imaging con guration of each pixel in a geometrically corrected image. Our formulas were tested with example AVHRR data and their precision was shown to be comparatively high with a maximum error of either the satellite zenith or azimuth angle less than 4°. The standard deviation for the zenith is 2.07°and azimuth is 2.47°.