Atmospheric correction for shortwave spectral imagery based on MODTRAN4

A new, state-of-the-art atmospheric correction algorithm for the solar spectral range has been developed based on the MODTRAN4 code. The primary data products are surface reflectance spectra, column water vapor maps and relative surface elevation maps. In addition, a radiance simulation tool, an automated visibility retrieval algorithm and a spectral 'polishing' algorithm are included. Validations of retrievals have been carried out by analyzing data that encompass a variety of atmospheric and surface conditions. Some results and their implications for atmospheric correction and spectroscopy are discussed.