Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and using statistical models to mitigate atmospheric effects in images are described. In some embodiments, a statistical model may be generated by selecting a vegetation type that grows in continuous healthy canopies; identifying a vegetation reference value that is a stable reflectance property of the vegetation type; in a plurality of images, selecting one or more plots of the vegetation type and obtaining top-of-atmosphere reflectance for the plots; selecting discrete areas near the plots and obtaining top-of-atmosphere reflectance for the discrete areas; obtaining image statistics for the discrete areas; and generating a statistical model based on the acquired data.

Abstract: A method for correcting top-of-atmosphere reflectance data in high altitude imagery to a ground surface reflectance data. Transmission of light through Earth's atmosphere and its suspended load of aerosol particles degrades light within the visible through near infrared portion of the spectrum. This can severely affect the quality of the data recorded by orbiting Earth observation satellites. The method first measures the degree of atmospheric effects upon reflectance, then reverses these effects to deliver surface reflectance data and imagery cleaned of haze and thin clouds.