About standard atmospheres

The Atmospheric Information area on the Specifying visibility and ground reflectance panel lists the Conditions, or standard atmospheres, used in atmospheric correction. Standard atmospheres are vertical profiles of pressure, temperature, water vapor, and ozone density.

The water vapor content present in the area plays a key role in determining which standard atmosphere to select when performing an atmospheric correction. For sensors that do not include water vapor bands, the water vapor content (i.e. atmospheric condition) is estimated based on the season when the image was captured and the location at which the image was taken.