Following updates were done to improve product quality:
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Cloud detection algorithm
A Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP)-based neural network algorithm is applied, with no auxiliary data dependency, resulting in significant improvements compared to the Collection 1 cloud detection for all spatial resolutions. -
Radiometric Instrument Calibration Parameter (ICP) files
The absolute calibration and equalization coefficients are updated, as well as some inter-band corrections to the BLUE and SWIR channels are performed. -
Atmospheric correction
The Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) dataset is used as input for the atmospheric correction. Further, using these AOT data the most appropriate aerosol model is selected.
The following features also improve product use and interoperability:
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CEOS Analysis Ready Data for Land (CEOS-ARD) compliancy
PROBA-V Collection 2 data is declared CEOS-ARD-compliant for the Top-of-Canopy products, which means that it fulfilled a set of accuracy thresholds, that essential corrections are applied, and that the product metadata are structured in a certain format.
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Data format
For Collection 2, the new Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF standard, backward compatible with standard GeoTIFF, will be used in addition to the regular HDF5 file format. Using this new and state-of-the-art data format standard eases the file handling and data visualization in cloud environments.
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New product search catalogues and viewer
PROBA-V Collection 2 data will become easily searchable using the OpenSearch Catalogue for Remote Sensing (OSCARS). Additionally the the catalogue also supports a STAC API. Furthermore anew, dedicated, and improved user interface, combining the best from PROBA-V’s Mission Exploitation Platform (such as time series and viewing) to give you a seamless user experience and to efficiently analyze the Collection 2 data.
The above listed changes will impact all Level-2A and Level-3 data at all resolutions (100 m, 300 m, and 1 km) for the operational period of the mission, being 16 October 2013 to 30 June 2020.
An extensive validation report against collection 1 and external datasets can be found here.
The updated user manual for Collection 2 can be found here.
The collection 1 data will be phased on from 28 May 2023 onwards and will no longer be accessible over the different interfaces.
Finally, due to the change to Collection 2, the PROBA-V MEP platform will also experience some updates:
- The Collection 1 OGC WMS and WMTS layers will be phased out on after May 28, 2023
- The Time Series Viewer will merge into the functionalities of the new viewing application making it redundant. Therefore, the TS viewing application will be phased out end of March 2023
- The ASB framework support will come to an end on the 31st of May 2023 and will be phased out from that date onwards
Access the improved data
Collection 2 is freely available as from March 28th, 2023 via the following interfaces:
- PROBA-V viewer with integrated time series services
- Terrascope viewer
- PROBA-V MEP and Terrascope Virtual environments
- Web services:
- OpenEO
- Catalogues: Opensearch and STAC
- OGC WMS and WMTS
Collection 1 remains available for download via the legacy www.vito-eodata.be web portal until May 2nd, 2023 after which this collection will be retired.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the service desk at helpdeskticket@vgt.vito.be
The PROBA-V team