A systematized approach to AVHRR image navigation

Abstract

Accurate co-location and geo-registration of AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) is necessary for most applications involving these data. To obtain the necessary accuracy, most of the current systems available for AVHRR image rectification require corrections to errors arising from several different sources. This paper presents a software package which is able to correct registration errors from all sources using effective roll, pitch, and yaw values determined from ground control point offsets. These effective values are used to establish a baseline registration against which other models are compared. Spacecraft and sampling geometry are revisited in order to systemize and better define the procedure of AVHRR geo-registration. This systematic approach has resulted in a modular software package which has a registration accuracy of 1 satellite pixel, and is easily modified and improved.