This course introduces preprocessing operations, sometimes referred to as image restoration and correction, used to correct radiometric and geometric data distortions specific to sensors used in EO.

Radiometric corrections are required due to variations in scene lighting and viewing geometry, atmospheric conditions and noise, and sensor response. Each will vary depending on the particular sensor and platform used for data collection and the conditions during data collection. It may also be desirable to convert and/or calibrate the data into known (absolute) units of radiation or reflection to facilitate data comparison.

Geometric corrections are intended to compensate for geometric distortions so that the geometric representation of the imagery will be as close as possible to the real world. Many of these variations are systematic, or predictable in nature and can be accounted for by accurate modeling of the sensor and platform motion and the geometric relationship of the platform with the Earth. Other unsystematic, or random, errors cannot be modeled and corrected in this way. Therefore, geometric registration of the imagery to a known ground coordinate system must be performed.