AVHRR Land Pathfinder II (ALP II) data set: Evaluation and inter-comparison with other data sets

A new processing chain was developed at the University of Maryland and NASA-GSFC for an improved AVHRR Land Pathfinder II (ALP II) data set. Most data sets derived from AVHRR sensor were created for specific applications and have used algorithms that have been improved or replaced in recent years. The understanding of many processes such as navigation, calibration and atmospheric water vapour absorption have increased, and can now be used to increase the quality of AVHRR data sets. The ALP II data set was compared with three data sets, the ALP I (8 km) and FASIR (1° 2 1°) data sets produced at NASA-GSFC, and LASUR (16 km) developed at CESBIO. This Letter describes evaluations of the initial 8 km AVHRR ALP II data set. This evaluation has shown a greater accuracy in atmospheric correction and temporal profiles for ALP II data set than the other AVHRR data sets.