Radiometric Resolution

[Jesús Jiménez]

Hi, it is not clear to me why to achieve high radiometric resolution, a greater instantaneous field of view (IFOV) is beneficial.

Thanks.

[Helena van Mierlo]

It’s hard to explain all the dependencies in just a few paragraphs. I would recommend adding this reference to the list of references: https://www.amazon.ca/Space-Mission-Analysis-Design-Larson/dp/1881883108

[Kai Heckel]

Hi Jesús,
thank for your question. A greater IFOV implies larger amounts of energy reaching the sensor, which allows for better radiometric resolution. Higher spatial resolution would require a smaller IFOV and therefore worse radiometric resolution. Hope this helps.

[Victor II Romero]

Hi, is this some sort of limitation in the hardware or sensor design? i.e. sensors generally need to capture more energy over a larger instantaneous field of view to enable differentiation between different radiances?

[Jesús Jiménez]

Hi Kai,

Thanks for clarifying!