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The QAA-RGB: a universal three-band absorption and backscattering retrieval algorithm for high resolution satellite sensors. Development and implementation in ACOLITE
Pitarch, J.; Vanhellemont, Q. (2021). The QAA-RGB: a universal three-band absorption and backscattering retrieval algorithm for high resolution satellite sensors. Development and implementation in ACOLITE. Remote Sens. Environ. 265: 112667. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2021.112667
In: Remote Sensing of Environment. Elsevier: New York,. ISSN 0034-4257; e-ISSN 1879-0704, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Semianalytical algorithm; Coastal; Inland; Optical; Landsat; Sentinel; PACE; Absorption; Backscattering; Diffuse attenuation; Secchi

Authors  Top 
  • Pitarch, J.
  • Vanhellemont, Q., more

Abstract
    We present the “QAA-RGB”, a semianalytical algorithm that retrieves total absorption, particle backscattering, as well as the diffuse attenuation coefficient and the Secchi disk depth, from eighteen metre and decametre satellite sensors, including present and heritage Landsat's data, Sentinel 2 at 10 m and an array of commercial satellites such as PlanetScope, Pléiades and Worldview. The QAA-RGB is a minimal version of the Quasi-Analytical Algorithm (QAA), and therefore keeps its robustness and general validity across different water types. It ingests remote-sensing reflectance at only three bands, centred on red, green and blue wavelengths. Retrievals of non-water absorption at 555 nm (anw(555)) are satisfactory, with a standard deviation of σ ~ 50% up to anw(555) < 2 m−1, based on in situ datasets. Careful calibration results in unbiased retrievals across all sensors. Validation to independent in situ data is also provided. The QAA-RGB has been implemented in the ACOLITE generic processor, and is openly accessible to the community. Consistency of near-coincident observations from different satellite sensors is demonstrated.

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