MERIS Land Algorithm: Preliminary Validation Results

This paper presents a first and preliminary evaluation of the performance of the algorithm implemented in the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) ground segment for assessing the status of land surfaces. First, we propose an updated version of the MERIS algorithm itself, which improves the accuracy of the product. Second, we analyze the first results by inter-comparing the MERIS Global Vegetation Index (MGVI) to similar products derived from the Seaviewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) that are generated at the European Commission Joint Research Center (EC-JRC). The first evaluation between MERIS and SeaWiFS derived products is made using data acquired on August 3, 2002 by both instruments. The results show acceptable agreement and the differences are well understood by radiation transfer models. Finally, we propose some recommendations to improve the current MGVI-land algorithm.