On extracting brightness temperature maps from scanning radiometer data

The extraction of brightness temperature maps from scanning radiometer data is described as a typical linear inverse problem. Spatial quantization and parameter estimation is described and is suggested as an advantageous approach to a solution. Since this approach takes into explicit account the multivariate nature of the problem, it permits an accurate determination of the most detailed resolution extractable from the data as well as explicitly defining the possible compromises between accuracy and resolution. To illustrate the usefulness of the method described for algorithm design and accuracy prediction, it was applied to the problem of providing brightness temperature maps during the NOSS flight segment. The most detained possible resolution was determined and a curve which displays the possible compromises between accuracy and resolution was provided.