Algorithm for the Reconstruction of the Ground Surface Reflectance in the Visible and Near IR Ranges from MODIS Satellite Data with Allowance for the Influence of Ground Surface Inhomogeneity on the Adjacency Effect and of Multiple Radiation Reflection

Abstract

An atmospheric correction algorithm is proposed for the reconstruction of the ground surface reflectance from the data of satellite measurements. A distinctive feature of the algorithm is that it takes into account the influence of the ground surface inhomogeneity on the adjacency effect and additional illumination of the ground surface by reflected radiation. These factors are important for the reconstruction of the reflectance of ground surface fragments with sharp reflectance changes and high atmospheric turbidity. The algorithm is based on Monte Carlo programs developed by the authors. To reduce the computing time, we have proposed some original criteria and approaches. To estimate the capabilities of the developed algorithm, its results have been validated by comparing with the results of the MOD09 algorithm for four MODIS bands and measurements for the Portugal surface fragment with coordinates 38.829 N, 8.791 W. Good agreement of the results obtained by the proposed algorithm with the surface measurements and the data obtained by the MOD09 algorithm demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in the reconstruction of the ground surface reflectance.