Sensors and Methods

Today, LTSDRs are available from the following visible-infrared sensors:

• AVHRR (1 km) ongoing since 1982
• MODIS (250 m) ongoing since 2000
• SPOT (1 km) ongoing since 1998
• MERIS (300 m) ongoing 2008-2012

the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO) scientists have developed algorithms capable of converting the initial satellite-sensor observations into geophysical variables through a series of processing steps including calibration, geolocation, reprojection, mosaicing, atmospheric correction, clear sky identification and compositing.  Ongoing research continually improves these processing steps thus further assuring data quality and consistency.

In addition to transforming data from existing sensors, CCMEO scientists are actively preparing for the transition of current LTSDR datasets into the next generation of visible-infrared satellite sensors like VIIRS and Sentinel 2.

For more information on the LTSDR, click here.

MODIS data at a resolution of 250m was used to map the Arctic Circumpolar region. 

SPOT Vegetation data was used to create a Northern Landcover mosaic, circa 2000.