Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS

The Basics of Airborne Polarimetric Remote Sensing for Atmospheric Improvement

Thomas Kroj^* Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
^*Correspondence: Thomas Kroj, Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel, Email:

Received: 21-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. JGRS-23-20995; Editor assigned: 24-Feb-2023, Pre QC No. JGRS-23-20995 (PQ); Reviewed: 10-Mar-2023, QC No. JGRS-23-20995; Revised: 17-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. JGRS-23-20995 (R); Published: 24-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2469-4134.23.12.283

Description

Airborne polarimetric remote sensing is a powerful tool for atmospheric correction in remote sensing applications. This technique uses the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation to determine the properties of atmospheric particles and aerosols, which can then be used to correct for atmospheric effects in remote sensing data. In this article, we will discuss the basics of airborne polarimetric remote sensing and its application in atmospheric correction. Remote sensing is the process of collecting information about the Earth's surface using sensors located on aircraft or satellites. The sensors measure the electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted by the Earth's surface and atmosphere. However, the atmosphere can distort or absorb the electromagnetic radiation, leading to errors in the remote sensing data. Atmospheric correction is the process of removing these effects from the remote sensing data to obtain accurate information about the Earth's surface.

One of the main challenges in atmospheric correction is the accurate characterization of the properties of atmospheric particles and aerosols. These particles scatter and absorb electromagnetic radiation in different ways, depending on their size, shape, and composition. Therefore, it is essential to determine the properties of these particles to correct for atmospheric effects in remote sensing data. Airborne polarimetric remote sensing is a technique that uses the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation to determine the properties of atmospheric particles and aerosols. Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field vector of the electromagnetic radiation. When, electromagnetic radiation interacts with atmospheric particles the polarization state of the radiation changes. By measuring these changes in polarization, we can determine the properties of the atmospheric particles. One of the advantages of airborne polarimetric remote sensing is its ability to distinguish between different types of atmospheric particles and aerosols. For example, the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation interacting with spherical particles, such as water droplets, are different from those interacting with non-spherical particles, such as dust particles. Therefore, by analyzing the polarization properties of the radiation, we can distinguish between different types of atmospheric particles and aerosols, which is important for accurate atmospheric correction.

Airborne polarimetric remote sensing can be used to measure the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation in different spectral regions, such as visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared. Each spectral region has its own advantages and limitations for atmospheric correction. For example, visible and near-infrared radiation is sensitive to the size and shape of atmospheric particles, while thermal infrared radiation is sensitive to their temperature. One of the applications of airborne polarimetric remote sensing is the retrieval of Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT). AOT is a measure of the amount of aerosols in the atmosphere, and it is a critical parameter for atmospheric correction. AOT can be determined from the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation using the polarized radiative transfer equation. This equation relates the polarization properties of the radiation to the properties of the atmospheric particles and aerosols, such as their size, shape, and refractive index. Another application of airborne polarimetric remote sensing is the retrieval of aerosol size distribution. The size distribution of aerosols is an important parameter for atmospheric correction because it affects the scattering and absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere. By measuring the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation in different spectral regions, we can retrieve the size distribution of aerosols using inversion algorithms. Airborne polarimetric remote sensing can also be used to retrieve the vertical distribution of aerosols in the atmosphere.

The vertical distribution of aerosols affects the scattering and absorption of electromagnetic radiation and it is an important parameter for atmospheric correction. By measuring the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation at different angles, we can retrieve the vertical distribution of aerosols using inversion algorithms. One of the challenges of airborne polarimetric remote sensing is the presence of other sources of polarization, such as the polarization of the Earth's surface and clouds. These sources of polarization can affect the accuracy of the measurements of the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, it is important to carefully design and calibrate the sensors used for airborne polarimetric remote sensing to minimize these effects. Airborne polarimetric remote sensing has been used in a variety of remote sensing applications, such as atmospheric correction for land, ocean, and atmosphere studies. For example, airborne polarimetric remote sensing has been used to improve the accuracy of satellite-derived sea surface temperature by correcting for atmospheric effects. It has also been used to study the properties of atmospheric aerosols and their impact on climate.In addition to its applications in atmospheric correction, airborne polarimetric remote sensing has other potential applications in remote sensing. For example, it can be used to study the polarization properties of the Earth's surface, which can provide information about the composition and structure of materials on the Earth's surface. It can also be used to study the polarization properties of clouds, which can provide information about their microphysical properties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, airborne polarimetric remote sensing is a powerful tool for atmospheric correction in remote sensing applications. It uses the polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation to determine the properties of atmospheric particles and aerosols, which can then be used to correct for atmospheric effects in remote sensing data. Airborne polarimetric remote sensing has applications in a variety of remote sensing fields, such as land, ocean, and atmosphere studies. However, the accuracy of the measurements depends on careful sensor design and calibration to minimize the effects of other sources of polarization.