Sentinel-3A OLCI Level-3 Global Mapped Earth-observation Reduced-Resolution (ERR) Inherent Optical Properties (IOP) Data, version 2022.0, provides per-pixel inherent optical properties retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework. The dataset includes geophysical variables such as total absorption and backscattering coefficients, plus phytoplankton and particulate backscattering coefficients at 443 nm. This activity was informed by the Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG), an interagency effort of the U.S. Government.
Use Cases
- Water-type classification based on retrieved inherent optical properties like total absorption coefficient.
- Water-clarity assessment based on total backscattering coefficient.
- Biogeochemical studies based on phytoplankton absorption coefficient at 443 nm.
- Cross-sensor comparisons based on inherent optical properties (IOPs) rather than apparent optical properties (AOPs).
- Forward/adjoint radiative-transfer applications based on spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance (Rrs) inputs.
Strengths
- Provides per-pixel inherent optical properties (IOPs), which are more robust for cross-sensor comparisons than apparent optical properties.
- Includes uncertainty estimates for key variables, such as aph_unc_443 and bbp_unc_443.
- Derived using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework, a standardized approach.
Limitations
- Row count, file formats, and total dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Provenance
- Source
- OB_CLOUD via NASA Earthdata platform.
- Collection Method
- Retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance (Rrs) using the default configuration of the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework.
- Geography
- Global mapped coverage.