Radiometric Performance Requirements for Optimal Atmospheric Processing of Hyperspectral Imagery

The radiometric performance of an hyperspectral sensor is limited due to physical constraints such as quantization, noise levels, spectral resolutions, and calibration accuracy. During the definition phase of a hyperspectral instrument, these numbers have to be defined based on scientific requirements for atmospheric correction methods to be applied and with respect to a variety of hyperspectral applications and data products. This paper describes these requirements with respect to the measurement of atmospheric constituents such as water vapor, oxygen, and aerosols. These parameters all are relevant for the optimal performance of atmospheric correction procedures. Requirements for delta radiance detectability and spectral calibration accuracy are derived from straightforward radiative transfer modelling. The results prove that highest quality hyperspectral instruments are required for a reliable quantitative analysis of atmospheric signatures.