Error analysis of subpixel lava temperature measurements using infrared remotely sensed data

When remote sensing users are asked to define their requirements for a new sensor, the big question that always arises is: will the technical specifications meet the scientific requirements? Herein, we discuss quantitative relationships between instrumental spectral and radiometric characteristics and data exploitable for lava flow subpixel temperature analysis. This study was funded within the framework of ESA activities for the IR GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) element mission requirements in 2005. Subpixel temperature retrieval from satellite infrared data is a well-established method that is well documented in the remote sensing literature. However there is little attention paid to the error analysis on estimated parameters due to atmospheric correction and radiometric accuracy of the sensor. In this study, we suggest the best spectral bands combination to estimate subpixel temperature parameters. We also demonstrate that poor atmospheric corrections may vanish the effectiveness of the most radiometrically accurate instrument.