The benefits of the large and ever-growing volume of satellite observations and the data products derived from operational services depends crucially on the correct calibration of the instruments and the validation of the products. Routine calibration and validation tasks are required to enable the comparability of satellite measurements. These tasks are carried out at different times and in different locations of various instruments to facilitate cross-validation with other types of measurements. To date, a standardized approach comprising all Sentinel sensors is lacking, e.g., in establishing a ground-based network of reference measurements.
The goal of the project CCVS is to define an innovative and holistic Cal / Val strategy for all running and upcoming Copernicus Sentinel missions. This includes improved calibration of the currently operational or planned Copernicus Sentinel sensors and validation of the Copernicus core products generated by the payload ground segment. CCVS will identify gaps and propose long-term solutions to address currently existing Cal / Val limitations and to better exploit existing synergies between missions.
The work within the team “Agroecosystems and Phenology” focuses on Cal / Val activities for Sentinel-2 and the future hyperspectral mission CHIME. In addition, we contribute in the area of aircraft remote sensing as an important source of reference data for Cal /Val. CCVS is funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant number 101004242.
