Description of a New Method for Retrieving the Aerosol Optical Thickness from Satellite Remotely Sensed Imagery Using the Maximum Contrast Value and Darkest Pixel Approach

摘要: Satellite sensors have provided new datasets for monitoring regional and urban air quality. provide comprehensive geospatial information on quality with both qualitative remotely sensed imagery quantitative data, such as aerosol optical depth which is the basic unknown parameter any atmospheric correction method in pre-processing of satellite imagery. This article presents a retrieving thickness directly from short wavelength bands scattering dominant contribution to at-satellite recorded signal. The based determination through application contrast tool (maximum value), radiative transfer calculations ‘tracking’ suitable darkest pixel scene. proposed that needs no a-priori has been applied LANDSAT-5 TM, LANDSAT-7 ETM+, SPOT-5 IKONOS data two different geographical areas: West London Cyprus. retrieved values show high correlations in-situ visibility acquired during overpass. Indeed, area logarithmic regression was fitted relating determined values. A correlation coefficient (r2= 0.82; p= 0.2) found. Plots obtained Tanre et al. (1979, 1990) Forster (1984) were reproduced estimates these areas generated so compare results. author's results good agreement Forster's vs. small deviation Tanre's model estimates.