1. AVHRR & VIIRS True Color Comparisons
NOAA-19 AVHRR 22:07Z
Edge of scan effects not as bad as NOAA-16 but still noticeable
NOAA-19 AVHRR 20:25Z
< toward edge of scan Nadir >
slight degradation observed toward the left
NOAA-16 AVHRR 17:55Z
Edge of scan effects are rather severe
Edge of scan issues are readily apparent when comparing heritage AVHRR and MODIS imagery with NPP VIIRS. Due to the more constant pixel size across the entire 3000 km swath, VIIRS data enables the user to extend the areal extent of usable data significantly away from nadir depending on the specific application.
Acknowledgments: Naval Research Laboratory, Marine Meteorology Division
Jeremy Solbrig, Tom Lee, Steve Miller, Kim Richardson, Mindy Surratt, Arunas Kuciauskas, Rich Bankert, Jeff Hawkins, and John Kent (SAIC)
AVHRR data provided by NOAA CLASS
MODIS data is provided via NASA LANCE in near real-time
VIIRS data is provided by CIMSS Peate via NOAA CLASS and direct readout for CONUS.
< Edge of scan Nadir >
VIIRS maintains its integrity

2. Zoomed views provide the actual story
Terra-MODIS 19:45 Z
From this perspective, it appears that MODIS edge of scan (right side)
provides reasonable detail, but…
From the initial 2 images, it appears that the MODIS Terra performs well along the edge of scan. But looks can be deceiving.
Click: A zoomed view of both images shows the distortion that appears with the Terra on the left as compared to the VIIRS scene.
Acknowledgments: Naval Research Laboratory, Marine Meteorology Division
Jeremy Solbrig, Tom Lee, Steve Miller, Kim Richardson, Mindy Surratt, Arunas Kuciauskas, Rich Bankert, Jeff Hawkins, and John Kent (SAIC)
AVHRR data provided by NOAA CLASS
MODIS data is provided via NASA LANCE in near real-time
VIIRS data is provided by CIMSS Peate via NOAA CLASS and direct readout for CONUS.
Zoomed views provide the actual story