Remote Sensors and Data Collection - Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio

A fundamental goal in remote sensing is maximizing the Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio. In other words, how much of the recorded signal that appears as a pixel is useable information, and how much is unwanted distortion or noise. The sensor system with its optics, detectors, spectral discrimination system and electronics converts energy from one form to another (radiant energy into electrical energy). This modulation of the original signal adds noise to the sensing process. To optimize this system, you make design tradeoffs, balancing IFOV, Sampling Time, and Spetral Resolution so that the signal is much, much greater than the noise.

Explore how good S/N is critical for high quality output imagery. As an example, as of this writing the HES-CW sensor, for coastal waters imaging at 300 meters, is scheduled to fly on the GOES-R satellite and have a minimum Signal-to-Noise ratio of 300:1, with a goal of reaching 900:1.

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