STAR / SMCD / VIIRS Aerosol Calibration and Validation

Beta Maturity Level

• Early release product.
• Initial calibration applied.
• Minimally validated and may still contain significant errors, rapid algorithm/product changes can be expected.
• Available to allow users to gain familiarity with data formats and parameters.
• Product is not appropriate as the basis for quantitative scientific publications studies and applications.

Provisional Maturity Level

• Product quality may not be optimal.
• Performance is determined for a broader (but still limited) set of conditions.
• No requirement to demonstrate compliance with specifications.
• Incremental product improvements still occurring.
• General research community is encouraged to participate in the QA and validation of the product, but need to be aware that product validation and QA are ongoing.
• Users are urged to consult the EDR product status document prior to use of the data in publications.
• Ready for operational evaluation.

Validated Maturity Level

• Stage 1: Using a limited set of examples, the algorithm output is shown to meet the threshold performance attributes identified in the JPSS Level 1 Requirements Supplement with the exception of the S-NPP Performance Exclusions.
• Stage 2: Using a moderate set of examples, the algorithm output is shown to meet the threshold performance attributes identified in the JPSS Level 1 Requirements Supplement with the exception of the S-NPP Performance Exclusions.
• Stage 3: Using a large set of examples representing global conditions over four seasons, the algorithm output is shown to meet the threshold performance attributes identified in the JPSS Level 1 Requirements Supplement with the exception of the S-NPP Performance Exclusions.
• Stage 4: Using a large set of examples representing global conditions over four seasons, the algorithm output is shown to meet or exceed the objective performance attributes identified in the JPSS Level 1 Requirements Supplement with the exception of the S-NPP Performance Exclusions.

For each stage the assessment includes:
• evaluation of algorithm performance to specific requirements;
• evaluation of required algorithm inputs (sensor data, ancillary data, upstream Intermediate Products and Environmental Data Records, look up table, processing coefficients table, etc.);
• error budget;
• analysis/validation of quality flags;
• input from key users;
• updated Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD);
• updated User's Guide;
• list of known issues (both closed and outstanding).