A Parametric Model for Multispectral Scanners

Efficient acquisition and utilization of remotely sensed data require an extensive a priori evaluation of the performance of the basic data collection unit, the multispectral scanner. The objective of the research described in this paper is the development of a parametric model to analytically evaluate the response of a multispectral scanner in any operational environment and to provide the necessary information in selecting a set of optimum parameters. In this paper the multispectral scanner spatial characteristics are represented by a linear shift-invariant multiple-port system where the N spectral bands comprise the input processes. The scanner characteristic function, the relationship governing the transformation of the input spatial and hence spectral correlation matrices through the systems, is developed. Specific cases for Gaussian point spread functions are examined. The integration of the scanner spatial model and a parameter classification error estimator provides the necessary technique to evaluate the performance of a multispectral scanner. A set of test statistics is specified and the corresponding output quantities computed by the characteristic function. Two sets of classification accuracies, one at the input and one at the output, are estimated. The scanner's instantaneous field of view is changed and the variation of output classification performance computed.