ISRO develops algorithm to clear out haze from images captured by Earth observation satellites

Existing approaches requires simultaneous processing information from visible and short-wave infrared channels simultaneously, which was not possible with the visible and near-infrared range sensors used in the CartoSat series of satellites. The approach by ISRO uses the data captured by the visible and near-infrared range sensors and compares it to available datasets of the optical properties of aerosols, the particles that cause the haze. This information is used to remove the haze from images, providing clear images.

ISRO explains the process as, “The algorithm uses lookup tables generated with vector radiative transfer calculations. Derived aerosol information and pre-computed lookup tables are employed to derive surface reflectance. Good quality surface reflectances have been obtained when this algorithm was applied on Cartosat-2 Series Satellite data.”

The CartoSat series of satellites provide multi-spectral images in the visible and near-infrared range, with a resolution of a few meters to even sub-meter resolution images. The satellites allows the country to monitor changes on the surface of the Earth. The last CartoSat placed into orbit was a CartoSat 2 series satellite, one of the 31 satellites on board the PSLV-C38 mission launched on 23 June.

The next launch by ISRO is scheduled on 31 August, where a PSLV will place into orbit the IRNSS-1H, a replacement satellite for a malfunctioning one in the Indian NavIC constellation for navigational purposes.

Author: EARSC