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USGS2022

System characterization report on Planet SkySat

This report addresses system characterization of Planet’s SkySat and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. SkySat is a constellation of submeter resolution Earth observation satellites providing analytics services, high-definition video, and imagery. The goal for the constellation is to capture multiple daily repeats of high-resolution imagery over any spot on the Earth. As of September 2020, 21 SkySat satellites have been launched, and the first launch occurred in November 2013. More information on Planet satellites and sensors is available in the “2020 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium” and from the manufacturer at https://www.planet.com/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that SkySat has an interior geometric performance in the range of a 0.38- (0.47 pixel) to 0.75-meter (m; 0.93 pixel) root mean square error in easting and a 0.27- (0.33 pixel) to 0.55-m (0.68 pixel) root mean square error in northing, in band-to-band registration; an exterior geometric performance in the range of 0.26 (0.32 pixel) to 1.04 m (1.28 pixels) offset in comparison to ground control points; a radiometric performance in the range of 0.033 to 0.797 (linear regression); and a spatial performance in the range of 3.7 to 4.3 pixels at full width at half maximum, with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.004 to 0.009.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2022

System characterization report on Planet’s SuperDove

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of Planet’s SuperDove and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Since 2013, Planet has launched more than 360 Dove 3U CubeSats, where U stands for 10-centimeter (cm) x 10-cm x 10-cm stowed dimensions, each weighing about 5.8 kilograms. Since 2015, all Dove satellites have had four-band imagers with about a 3-meter (m) pixel ground sample distance. Since 2016, all Doves have been launched into Sun-synchronous orbits varying from 474 to 524 kilometers, with inclinations between 97 and 98 degrees. The Dove series satellites do not have orbit maintenance capabilities; thus, their orbits decay slowly over time, contributing to shorter lifetimes of about 3 years. More information on Planet satellites and sensors is available in the “2020 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium” and from the manufacturer at https://www.planet.com/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that SuperDove has a band-to-band geometric performance in the range of −1.701 m (−0.567 pixel) to 1.173 m (0.391 pixel) in easting and −4.950 m (−1.650 pixels) to 6.051 m (2.017 pixels) in northing, an image-to-image geometric performance of −1.17 m (−0.39 pixel) to 23.45 m (7.82 pixels) in easting and −10.61 m (−3.54 pixels) to −4.43 m (−1.48 pixels) in northing offset in comparison to Sentinel-2, a radiometric performance in the range of −0.043 to 0.020 in offset and 0.812 to 1.246 in slope, and a spatial performance in the range of 3.59 to 3.70 pixels for full width at half maximum, with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.005 to 0.008.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2021

System characterization report on Resourcesat-2 Advanced Wide Field Sensor

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the Indian Space Research Organisation Resourcesat-2 Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence in 2021. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Resourcesat-2 is a medium-resolution satellite launched in 2011 on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C16. Resourcesat-2 carries the same sensing elements as Resourcesat-1 (launched in October 2003) and provides continuity for the mission. The objectives of the Resourcesat mission are to provide remote sensing data services to global users, focusing on data for integrated land and water resources management. Resourcesat-2A is identical to Resourcesat-2 and was launched in 2016 on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C36 launch vehicle for continuity of data and improved temporal resolution. The two satellites operating in tandem improved the revisit capability from 5 days to 2–3 days. The Resourcesat-2 platform is of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites-1C/1D–P3 heritage and was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation. Resourcesat-2 and Resourcesat-2A carry the AWiFS, Linear Imaging Self Scanning-3, and Linear Imaging Self Scanning-4 sensors for medium-resolution imaging. More information on Indian Space Research Organisation satellites and sensors is available in the “2020 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium” and from the manufacturer at https://www.isro.gov.in/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that AWiFS has an interior geometric performance in the range of −16.080 (−0.268 pixel) to 35.520 meters (m; 0.592 pixel) in easting and −25.680 (−0.428 pixel) to 23.400 m (0.390 pixel) in northing in band-to-band registration, an exterior geometric error of −64.262 (−1.071 pixels) to −19.059 m (−0.318 pixel) in easting and −29.028 (−0.484 pixel) to 41.249 m (0.687 pixel) in northing offset in comparison to the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager, a radiometric performance in the range of 2.29–2.36 pixels for full width at half maximum, with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.030–0.035.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2021

System characterization report on Resourcesat-2 Linear Imaging Self Scanning-3 (LISS–3) sensor

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the Indian Space Research Organisation Resourcesat-2 Linear Imaging Self Scanning-3 (LISS–3) sensor and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence in 2021. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Resourcesat-2 is a medium-resolution satellite launched in 2011 on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C16 launch vehicle. Resourcesat-2 carries the same sensing elements as Resourcesat-1 (launched in October 2003) and provides continuity for the mission. The objectives of the Resourcesat mission are to provide remote sensing data services to global users, focusing on data for integrated land and water resources management. Resourcesat-2A is identical to Resourcesat-2 and was launched in 2016 on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C36 launch vehicle for continuity of data and improved temporal resolution. The two satellites operating in tandem improved the revisit capability from 5 days to 2–3 days. The Resourcesat-2 platform is of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites-1C/1D–P3 heritage and was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation. Resourcesat-2 and Resourcesat-2A carry the Advanced Wide Field Sensor and LISS–3, as well as the Linear Imaging Self Scanning-4 for medium-resolution imaging. More information on Indian Space Research Organisation satellites and sensors is available in the “2020 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium” and from the manufacturer at https://www.isro.gov.in/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that LISS–3 has an interior geometric performance in the range of −4.620 (−0.154 pixel) to 13.230 meters (m; 0.441 pixel) in easting and −12.360 (−0.412 pixel) to 1.500 m (0.050 pixel) in northing in band-to-band registration, an exterior geometric error of −27.805 (−0.927 pixel) to 26.578 m (0.886 pixel) in easting and −35.341 (−1.178 pixel) to −6.286 m (−0.210 pixel) in northing offset in comparison to the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager, a radiometric performance in the range of −0.096 to 0.036 in offset and 0.585–0.946 in slope, and a spatial performance in the range of 1.87–1.95 pixels for full width at half maximum, with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.045–0.070.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2021

System characterization report on the WorldView-3 Imager

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the Maxar WorldView-3 satellite and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence in 2020. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. WorldView-3 is a high-resolution multispectral satellite launched in 2014 by Maxar Technologies on an Atlas V launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for Earth resources monitoring. WorldView-3 provides substantial technical improvements to previous WorldView satellites, including spectral bands, ground sample distance, and swath. The WorldView-3 satellite was designed and built by Lockheed Martin for Maxar Technologies using the BCP–5000 bus with the WorldView-3 Imager and the Clouds, Aerosols, Vapors, Ice, and Snow sensor. The high-resolution WorldView-3 Imager is the main instrument, and the Clouds, Aerosols, Vapors, Ice, and Snow sensor provides additional data on obscurants and other atmospheric effects used in data production. More information on Maxar WorldView satellites and sensors is available within the “2020 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium” and from the manufacturer at https://www.maxar.com/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that WorldView-3 has a range of interior geometric performance of −0.09 (−0.07 pixel) to 0.24 meter (0.19 pixel) in band-to-band registration; an exterior geometric performance in the range of a −21.10- (−2.11 pixels) to 28.23-meter (2.82 pixels) offset in comparison to Sentinel-2; a radiometric performance in the range of −0.121 to 1.420 (offset and slope); and a spatial performance in the range of 1.2 to 1.7 pixels at full width at half maximum with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.093 to 0.185.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2021

System characterization report on the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite-4A (CBERS–4A)

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite-4A (CBERS–4A) multispectral remote sensing satellite and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence in 2021. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. CBERS–4A is a joint Chinese-Brazilian medium-resolution satellite launched in December 2019 by the China National Space Agency/National Institute for Space Research (Brazil) on a Chang Zheng 4B rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center for Earth resources monitoring. The CBERS–4A mission continues the CBERS mission that has been in continual operation since the launch of CBERS–1 in 1999. The CBERS–4A satellite was designed and built by Academia Chinesa de Tecnologia Espacial/National Institute for Space Research and uses the Phoenix-Eye bus. CBERS–4A carries the multispectral camera and wide field imager sensors for medium-resolution land imaging and the wide swath panchromatic and multispectral camera sensor for high-resolution land imaging. This assessment focused on the multispectral camera sensor only. More information on CBERS sensors is available in the “ 2020 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium ” and at https://www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/obter-imagens-de-sensoriamento-remoto-da-terra-geradas-pelo-satelite-cbers-04a . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that CBERS–4A provides an interior (band-to-band) geometric performance in the range of −0.02 to −0.16 pixel; an exterior geometric accuracy performance of −22.02 (−1.47 pixels) to −16.06 meters (−1.07 pixels); a radiometric accuracy performance of –0.006 to 0.925 (offset and slope); and a spatial performance for relative edge response in the range of 0.39 to 0.44, for full width at half maximum in the range of 2.38 to 2.56 pixels, and for a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.001 to 0.013.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2022

System characterization report on PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA)

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the Italian Space Agency’s PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA) and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (band to band and image to image), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that PRISMA has a band-to-band geometric performance in the range of −0.046 to 0.040 pixel; an image-to-image geometric performance (relative to the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager) in the range of −60.791 meters (m; −2.03 pixels) to 299.541 m (9.98 pixels); a radiometric performance in the range of −0.037 to −0.001 in offset and 1.026 to 1.274 in slope; and a spatial performance with a relative edge response in the range of 0.56 to 0.63, full width at half maximum in the range of 1.84 to 1.97 pixels, and a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.054 to 0.096. Regarding fairly large geometric accuracy, the following explanation is provided to help the reader. The geometric accuracy required for PRISMA is a 200-m circular error at 90 percent (CE90) without ground control points (GCPs), a 15-m CE90 using GCPs is documented in the PRISMA mission overview (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, 2021). The PRISMA images used for the current system characterization were georeferenced without using any GCPs; thus, the 200-m geometric accuracy requirement is applied. Beginning in 2022, a worldwide GCP database will be used in the PRISMA product processing chain, which will improve georeferencing accuracy to meet the 15-m CE90 requirement.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2022

System characterization report on the Satellogic NewSat multispectral sensor

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of Satellogic’s NewSat satellite (also known as ÑuSat) and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Since 2016, Satellogic has launched 17 NewSat satellites. All NewSat satellites have four-band imagers with a 1-meter (m) ground sample distance, and values in pixels are identical to values in meters. All NewSats have been launched into Sun-synchronous orbits of about 475 kilometers, with inclinations of about 97.5 degrees. The satellites have expected lifetimes of about 3 years. More information on the Satellogic satellites and sensors is available in the “2020 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium” and from the manufacturer at https://satellogic.com/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that the NewSat satellites have an interior geometric performance in the range of −0.119 (−0.119 pixel) to 0.020 m (0.020 pixel) in easting and −0.148 (−0.148 pixel) to 0.014 m (0.014 pixel) in northing in band-to-band registration, an exterior geometric performance of −9.04 (−9.04 pixels) to −5.84 m (−5.84 pixels) in easting and 1.25 (1.25 pixels) to 3.11 m (3.11 pixels) in northing offset in comparison to Sentinel-2, an exterior geometric performance using ground control points of a 6.5-m circular error (95 percent), a radiometric performance in the range of 0.034 to 0.081 in offset and 0.652 to 0.808 in slope, and a spatial performance in the range of 1.61 to 1.76 pixels for full width at half maximum, with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.081 to 0.138.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2022

System characterization report on the Amazônia-1 multispectral sensor

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais Amazônia-1 satellite and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Amazônia-1 is a four-band imager with a 64-meter (m) pixel ground sample distance. Amazônia-1 was launched in February 2021 into a Sun-synchronous orbit of 752 kilometers with an inclination of 98.4 degrees and a swath width of 850 kilometers. The satellite has an expected lifetime of about 4 years. More information on Amazônia-1 is available in the “Land Remote Sensing Satellites Online Compendium” ( https://calval.cr.usgs.gov/apps/compendium ). The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that the Amazônia-1 satellite has an interior geometric performance in the range of −3.584 m (−0.056 pixel) to 0.320 m (0.005 pixel) in easting and −1.984 m (−0.031 pixel) to 2.048 m (0.032 pixel) in northing in band-to-band registration, an exterior geometric performance of −37.256 m (−0.621 pixel) to 54.758 m (0.913 pixel) in easting and −12.684 m (−0.211 pixel) to 54.898 m (0.915 pixel) in northing offset in comparison to the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager, a radiometric performance in the range of 0.030 to 0.143 in offset and 0.662 to 0.825 in slope, and a spatial performance in the range of 1.62 to 2.06 pixels for full width at half maximum, with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.062 to 0.115.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2023

System characterization report on the BlackSky Global multispectral sensor

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the BlackSky Global satellites and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. The BlackSky Global satellites are three-band multispectral imagers (red, green, and blue multispectral bands plus a panchromatic band) with a 0.8- to 0.9-meter (m) pixel ground sample distance for the assessed satellites. BlackSky Global satellites 9 and 12–17 were launched in March and December 2021, respectively, into a Sun-synchronous orbit of 430–450 kilometers with an inclination of 42–53 degrees and a swath width of 6 kilometers at nadir. Each Global satellite has an expected lifetime of about 3 years. More information on the BlackSky Global satellites is available in the “Land Remote Sensing Satellites Online Compendium” ( https://calval.cr.usgs.gov/apps/compendium ) and from BlackSky at Real-Time Space-Based Intelligence (blacksky.com) The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior) and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that the assessed BlackSky Global satellites have an interior geometric performance in the range of −0.011 m (−0.012 pixel) to 0.007 m (0.008 pixel) in easting and −0.018 m (−0.020 pixel) to 0.012 m (0.013 pixel) in northing in band-to-band registration; an exterior geometric performance using ground control points of 8.0-m circular error (95-percent certainty) for orthorectified products and 10.7- to 17.4-m circular error (95-percent certainty) for nonorthorectified products, depending on the geolocation metadata used; and a spatial performance in the range of 1.70 to 2.43 pixels for full width at half maximum, with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.032 to 0.084.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2023

System characterization report on the Pléiades Neo Imager

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the Pléiades Neo satellite and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Pléiades Neo is a constellation of four identical very-high-resolution optical satellites operated by Airbus Defence and Space. The first two satellites, Pléiades Neo-3 and -4, were launched in April and August 2021, respectively. The next two satellites, launched in December 2022, did not reach orbit because of Vega-C launch vehicle failure. Pléiades Neo provides several technical improvements to previous Pléiades-HR satellites, including the addition of coastal aerosol (deep blue) and red edge spectral bands, with improved ground sample distance and swath. The Pléiades Neo satellites were designed and built by Airbus Defence and Space with the high-resolution, multispectral imager for Earth imaging and use the S950 optical satellite bus. The high-resolution sensor on Pléiades Neo collects Earth data in the visible and near-infrared region with six bands and a panchromatic band. The satellites can operate off nadir to achieve a revisit of less than 1 day. More information on Pléiades Neo satellites and sensors is available in the “Land Remote Sensing Satellites Online Compendium” ( https://calval.cr.usgs.gov/apps/compendium# ) and from the manufacturer ( https://www.intelligence-airbusds.com/imagery/constellation/pleiades-Neo/ ). The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that Pléiades Neo has an interior geometric performance in the range of 0.01 meter (m; 0.008 pixel) to −0.017 m (−0.014 pixel) in band-to-band registration; an exterior geometric performance in the range of −7.015 m (−0.702 pixel) to 3.846 m (0.385 pixel) offset in comparison to Sentinel-2 using ground control points of 2.2 to 7.2 m (95-percent circular error); a radiometric performance in the range of −0.070 (minimum) to −0.053 (maximum) in offset and 1.107 (minimum) to 1.202 (maximum) in slope; and a spatial performance in the range of 1.002 to 1.226 pixels at full width at half maximum with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.22 to 0.34 (bands 2–7).

Open-File Report↗
USGS2024

System characterization report on Vision-1

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the Airbus Vision-1 satellite and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Vision-1 is a high-resolution Earth observation satellite launched in September 2018 as a collaborative effort between Airbus and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. It features a Newtonian telescope with a refractive relay, capturing images in panchromatic and multispectral bands. Operating in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 583 kilometers, Vision-1 ensures consistent illumination conditions during image acquisition. It has a revisit time of 1 to 8 days depending on latitude and viewing angle, and it features an off-pointing agility of plus or minus 45 degrees, allowing for multiple target captures in a single pass using spot, strip, and mosaic imaging modes. The panchromatic band offers a resolution of 0.87 meter (m), whereas the multispectral bands (blue, green, red, and near infrared) provide a resolution of 3.48 m. These capabilities support a variety of applications including urban planning, agricultural monitoring, land classification, natural resource management, and disaster response. More information on the Vision-1 satellite and sensors is available in the “2022 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium.” The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. Results of these analyses indicate that the Vision-1 satellite has an interior geometric performance in the range of 0 to 0.02 m in easting and −0.01 to 0.03 m in northing in band-to-band registration, an exterior geometric performance of 1.7 to 2.2 m in easting and −1.1 to −0.7 m in northing offset with a 90-percent circular error of 3.4 to 3.7 m, a radiometric performance in the range of −0.029 to 0.017 in offset and 0.884 to 0.984 in slope, and a spatial performance in the range of 0.992 to 1.092 pixels for multispectral full width at half maximum and 1.895 pixels for the panchromatic band full width at half maximum, with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.29 to 0.36 for the multispectral bands and 0.05 for the panchromatic band.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2025

System characterization report on the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP)

This report addresses system characterization of the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program hyperspectral sensor by the DLR (German Aerospace Center, ground segment project management), GFZ (Deutsches Geoforschungszentrum, science lead) and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization; present technical and operational information about the EnMAP hyperspectral sensor; and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), and radiometric performances of the EnMAP hyperspectral sensor. Results of these analyses indicate that the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program has a band-to-band geometric performance in the range of −0.135 to 0.15 pixel, geometric performance relative to the Operational Land Imager in the range of −27.716 meters (−0.92 pixel) to 32.892 meters (1.09 pixels) offset in comparison to Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager, offset of a radiometric comparison in the range of −0.012 to 0.020, slope of a radiometric comparison in the range of 0.947 to 1.031.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2025

System characterization report on Resourcesat-2A Linear Imaging Self Scanning-3 sensor

Executive Summary This report addresses system characterization of the Indian Space Research Organisation Resourcesat-2A Linear Imaging Self Scanning-3 sensor and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence since 2021. These reports present and detail the methodology and procedures for characterization, present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated, and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Resourcesat-2A is identical to Resourcesat-2 and was launched in 2016 on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C36 for continuity of data and improved temporal resolution. The Resourcesat-2 platform (which includes Resourcesat-2A) is of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites-1C/1D–P3 heritage and was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation. Resourcesat-2 and Resourcesat-2A carry the Linear Imaging Self Scanning-3 and Linear Imaging Self Scanning-4 sensors for medium-resolution imaging. More information on Indian Space Research Organisation satellites and sensors is available in the “2022 Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation—Remote Sensing Satellite Compendium” and from the manufacturer at https://www.isro.gov.in/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team completed data analyses to characterize the geometric (interior and exterior), radiometric, and spatial performances. To summarize the results, we have determined that this sensor provides an interior geometric performance with mean offsets in the range of 1.75 meters (m; 0.06 pixel) to 6.83 m (0.23 pixel) in easting and −1.83 m (−0.06 pixel) to 1.81 m (0.06 pixel) in northing in band-to-band registration and a root mean square error in the range of 3.81 m (0.13 pixel) to 8.19 m (0.27 pixel) in easting and 2.21 m (0.09 pixel) to 4.72 m (0.16 pixel) in northing. We have measured an exterior geometric error offset in the range of −21.29 to 6.88 m in easting and −7.35 to −2.63 m in northing, and the root mean square error is in the range of 7.19 to 21.43 m in easting and 3.64 to 8.19 m in northing in comparison to the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager. The measured radiometric performance was in the range of −0.002 to 0.031 in offset and 0.701 to 0.940 in slope, and the spatial performance was in the range of 1.204 to 1.265 pixels for full width at half maximum with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.251 to 0.277.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2025

System characterization report on Resourcesat-2A Linear Imaging Self Scanning-4 sensor

Executive Summary This report documents the system characterization of the Indian Space Research Organisation Resourcesat-2A Linear Imaging Self Scanning-4 (LISS–4) sensor. It is part of a series of system characterization reports produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports describe the methodology and procedures used for characterization, present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated, and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Resourcesat-2A was launched in 2016 on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C36; it is identical to Resourcesat-2, and together, they decrease imaging revisit time from 5 days to 2–3 days, providing data continuity and improved temporal resolution. Resouresat-2 and 2A carry the Advanced Wide Field Sensor, Linear Imaging Self Scanning-3, and LISS–4 medium-resolution imaging sensors, continuing the legacy of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Indian Remote Sensing-1C/1D/P3 satellite programs. More information about the Indian Space Research Organisation’s satellites and sensors is available through the Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation Earth Observing Satellites Online Compendium at https://calval.cr.usgs.gov/apps/compendium/ and from the manufacturer at https://www.isro.gov.in/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team assessed the geometric, radiometric, and spatial performances of the Resourcesat-2A LISS–4 sensor. Geometric performance is divided into the interior geometric performance of band-to-band registration and the exterior geometric performance of geolocation accuracy. The interior geometric performance had mean offsets in the range of −0.118 to 0.024 pixel in easting and −0.053 to 0.022 pixel in northing with root mean square error values from 0.067 to 0.230 pixel in easting and from 0.087 to 0.2 pixel in northing. The exterior geometric performance had offsets in the range of 2.55 to 7.85 meters (m) in easting and −6.15 to 11.15 m in northing with root mean square error values in the range of 2.6 to 8.2 m in easting and 6.35 to 11.8 m in northing compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Imagery Program and WorldView-3 orthoimages. The measured radiometric performance had offsets from 0.003 to 0.024 and slopes from 0.736 to 0.952, and spatial performance was in the range of 1.633 to 1.903 pixels for the full width at half maximum with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.0529 to 0.0952.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2025

System characterization report on Resourcesat-2A Advanced Wide Field Sensor

Executive Summary This report documents the system characterization of the Indian Space Research Organisation Resourcesat-2A Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports describe the methodology and procedures used for characterization, present technical and operational information about the specific sensing system being evaluated, and provide a summary of test measurements, data retention practices, data analysis results, and conclusions. Resourcesat-2A was launched in 2016 on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C36; it is identical to Resourcesat-2, and together, they decrease imaging revisit time from 5 days to 2–3 days, providing data continuity and improved temporal resolution. Resourcesat-2 and -2A carry the AWiFS, Linear Imaging Self Scanning-3, and Linear Imaging Self Scanning-4 medium-resolution imaging sensors, continuing the legacy of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Indian Remote Sensing-1C/1D/P3 satellite programs. More information about Indian Space Research Organisation satellites and sensors is available through the Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation Earth Observing Satellites Online Compendium and from the Indian Space Research Organisation at https://www.isro.gov.in/ . The Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence system characterization team assessed the geometric, radiometric, and spatial performance of the Resourcesat-2A AWiFS sensor. Geometric performance is divided into the interior geometric performance of band-to-band registration and the exterior geometric performance of geolocation accuracy. The interior geometric performance had offsets in the range of −1.10 meters (m; −0.020 pixel) to 3.67 m (0.066 pixel) in easting and −5.68 m (−0.101 pixel) to 10.38 m (0.185 pixel) in northing with root mean square error values from 5.60 m (0.100 pixel) to 11.31 m (0.202 pixel) in easting and from 3.00 m (0.054 pixel) to 13.52 m (0.241 pixel) in northing. The exterior geometric performance had mean offsets of −25.29 m in easting and 16.22 m northing with root mean square error values of 26.07 m in easting and 17.60 m in northing compared to the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager sensor. The radiometric performance had offsets from −0.002 to 0.029 and slopes from 0.733 to 1.012. Spatial performance was in the range of 1.354 to 1.639 pixels for full width at half maximum with a modulation transfer function at a Nyquist frequency in the range of 0.108 to 0.174.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2021

ECCOE Landsat quarterly Calibration and Validation report — Quarter 2, 2021

Executive Summary The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Center of Excellence (ECCOE) focuses on improving the accuracy, precision, calibration, and product quality of remote-sensing data, leveraging years of multiscale optical system geometric and radiometric calibration and characterization experience. The ECCOE Landsat Cal/Val Team continually monitors the geometric and radiometric performance of active Landsat missions and makes calibration adjustments, as needed, to maintain data quality at the highest level. This report provides observed geometric and radiometric analysis results for Landsats 7–8 for quarter 2 (April–June), 2021. All data used to compile the Cal/Val analysis results presented in this report are freely available from the USGS EarthExplorer website: https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov . One specific activity that the Cal/Val Team continued to closely monitor this quarter was the Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) response degradation, which has been observed since the two November 2020 safehold events. Detailed analysis results characterizing this degradation have been included in this report. Additional information about the safehold events is here: https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/nli/landsat/november-19-2020-landsat-8-data-availability-update-recent-safehold .

Open-File Report↗
USGS2022

ECCOE Landsat quarterly Calibration and Validation report—Quarter 3, 2021

Executive Summary The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Center of Excellence (ECCOE) focuses on improving the accuracy, precision, calibration, and product quality of remote-sensing data, leveraging years of multiscale optical system geometric and radiometric calibration and characterization experience. The ECCOE Landsat Cal/Val Team continually monitors the geometric and radiometric performance of active Landsat missions and makes calibration adjustments, as needed, to maintain data quality at the highest level. This report provides observed geometric and radiometric analysis results for Landsats 7–8 for quarter 3 (July–September), 2021. All data used to compile the Cal/Val analysis results presented in this report are freely available from the USGS EarthExplorer website: https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov . One specific activity that the Cal/Val Team continued to closely monitor this quarter was the Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) response degradation, which has been observed since the two November 2020 safehold events. Detailed analysis results characterizing this degradation have been included in this report. Additional information about the safehold events is here: https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/nli/landsat/november-19-2020-landsat-8-data-availability-update-recent-safehold .

Open-File Report↗