Comparison of high spatial resolution un-aggregated VIIRS dual gain bands with I and M bands for regional studies

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP, NOAA-20, and NOAA-21 satellites has 7 un-aggregated dual-gain bands known as M1-M5, M7, and M13 at 250-m spatial resolution (cross-track only) at nadir and the data are downlinked routinely for ground processing. They are used to generate the VIIRS M bands with standard 750-meter spatial resolution products through cross-track aggregation using a 3:1 or 2:1 ratio. The M band SDRs work well for global studies. However, for regional studies, there is a need for higher spatial resolution images. With the un-aggregated data, 250-meter cross-track images can be produced, although the along-track spatial resolution is still 750-meter.

This study will compare the VIIRS 250-meter un-aggregated dual gain M band images with the standard I and M band images for selected regions such as the Florida Bay, New Orleans, and Maui Hawaii, to assess the benefits of the higher spatial resolution images for applications such as coastal studies and crop monitoring. This study also provides an opportunity to solicit user feedback on the needs for higher spatial resolution VIIRS data.

The findings of this study will also be used for the assessment of potential algorithms to enhance the along-track spatial resolution to generate 250-meter images in both directions, such as interpolation, signal processing, or artificial intelligence/machine learning methods to fill in the gaps along-track. Our goal is to develop an experimental high resolution VIIRS product with 250m spatial resolution to meet the needs for regional studies in selected regions.