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A Review of Selected MODIS Algorithms, Data Products, and Applications
Citation:
Shao, Y., G. N. Taff, AND R. S. LUNETTA. A Review of Selected MODIS Algorithms, Data Products, and Applications. Chapter 2, Q. Weng (ed.), Advances in Remote Sensing. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton, FL, , 556, (2011).
Impact/Purpose:
This chapter provides a review of selected MODIS data products and algorithms. We reviewed a large number of MODIS algorithm theoretical basis documents (ATBD) developed by individual MODIS science teams and scientific papers published over the last 10–15 years. It is of our main interest to review MODIS algorithms to increase the understanding of the standard data products, document advances and limitations, and identify data quality and validation issues. The general organization of this chapter is as follows. We first briefly describe the MODIS sensor characteristics. We then review selected MODIS data products and algorithms for land, atmosphere, and ocean disciplines. Our focus is on the MODIS land product because its relatively wider use among the three. Finally, we review a wide range of applications and research activities that emphasize broad range of MODIS product applications.
Description:
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is one of the key instruments designed as part of NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) to provide long-term global observation of the Earth’s land, ocean, and atmospheric properties (Asrar and Dokken, 1993). The development of MODIS was built upon the experiences of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM). It was designed not only for providing continuous global observations, but also as a new generation of sensor with an increased combination of spectral, spatial, radiometric, and temporal resolutions. In addition to advances in sensor instrument, the MODIS mission also emphasized the development of operational data processing algorithms to generate global remote sensing spectral datasets and a variety of value added products spanning both the optical and biophysical domains. The motivation was to provide MODIS standard products to the general scientific community to support both theoretical and applied applications. Two MODIS instruments were initially scheduled for launch on the EOS-AM and EOS-PM platforms in June 1998 and December 2000, respectively (Running et al., 1994). The actual launch dates were December 18, 1999 (EOSTerra) and May 4, 2002 (EOS-Aqua). Terra MODIS data have been available since February 2000. Subsequently, numerous scientific papers have been published on topics of MODIS data, algorithms, validation, and applications.