Summary

The web content provides a detailed guide on converting Landsat 8's Digital Numbers (DN) to Top of Atmosphere (TOA) Radiance using ArcGIS or ENVI software.

Abstract

The article "Step by step to convert Digital Number to Radiance for Landsat 8 using ArcGIS or ENVI" outlines the essential process of converting raw satellite imagery data into a more accurate representation of ground reflectance. It emphasizes the importance of preprocessing remote sensing data, particularly Landsat 8 imagery, to enhance the utility of the data for various analyses. The guide explains the concept of Digital Numbers (DN) and their conversion to TOA Radiance, which is necessary to correct for atmospheric effects and sensor-specific radiometric calibration. The article provides step-by-step instructions for both ArcGIS and ENVI users, including how to access and apply the necessary metadata for the conversion formula, and how to execute the conversion within each software's environment. The process is illustrated with screenshots and examples, particularly focusing on Band 10 of Landsat 8, and concludes with a demonstration of the difference between DN and TOA Radiance values.

Opinions

The article conveys the opinion that preprocessing remote sensing data is crucial for obtaining accurate ground reflectance values.
It suggests that Landsat 8 data, when converted from DN to TOA Radiance, becomes more meaningful and useful for analysis.
The author implies that both ArcGIS and ENVI are suitable tools for the conversion process, providing flexibility for users with different software preferences.
The inclusion of specific examples and screenshots indicates that the author values clear, practical guidance for users who may be new to remote sensing data processing.
The article assumes that readers will benefit from the conversion process by enhancing their remote sensing data analysis capabilities.

Step by step to convert Digital Number to Radiance for Landsat 8 using ArcGIS or ENVI

Remote sensing data is very helpful if the field data is missing. Remote Sensing Data can be a supplementary data to your project or analysis. Remote sensing data can be derived from satellite images, drones, and other platforms. Normally, the RS data are acquired from the accessible source that is free for the public. One of the most used satellite imagery is Landsat. Before using the satellite image, the raw image does not really reflect the actual data on the ground. Therefore, it is crucial to do preprocessing to minimize the unnecessary information of the image.

This article discusses how to convert Digital Number (DN) to TOA Radiance.

First thing first, what is Digital Number (DN)?

Digital number in remote sensing systems, a variable assigned to a pixel, usually in the form of a binary integer in the range of 0–255 (i.e. a byte). The range of energies examined in a remote sensing system is broken into 256 bins. But, Landsat 8 OLI sensor stores these data as DNS with a range from 0 to 65536.