1.2. Objectives

As outlined in [1], the aim of developing a MERIS/(A)ATSR Synergy Toolbox is to undertake research and algorithm development on MERIS/AATSR synergy, with stated objectives:

define and prototype algorithms and processing schemes for improved cloud screening, global aerosol retrieval and land atmospheric correction using the combined multi-spectral and multi-angle information from geo-located and geo-registered MERIS and AATSR measurements
verify the prototyped algorithms and processing schemes and demonstrate their benefit in terms of accuracy as compared to single-sensor algorithms
implement these algorithms and processing schemes for the BEAM toolbox
formulate recommendations for the development of future synergy algorithms and processing concepts for the Sentinel-3 OLCI and SLST instruments

This SUM specifically describes the software developed for Synergy preprocessing, cloud screening, ocean and land aerosol retrieval, and atmospheric correction.