Appendix B

Satellite Information

This appendix contains links to the current SSEC-assigned sensor source numbers used in McIDAS-X. It also contains links to the current band information for satellite data ingested in real time by the SSEC McIDAS-X servers.

Sensor source numbers

For a current list of Sensor Source numbers, see Appendix C: Sensor Source Numbers, in the McIDAS User's Guide.

Bands for satellite imagery

For a current description of the bands for satellite data ingested in real time by the McIDAS-X servers, see Appendix D: Bands for Satellite Imagery, in the McIDAS User's Guide.

The tables containing the band information use terms that you may be unfamiliar with. They are defined below.

The band is the number given to the wavelength channel of the satellite data.
The central wavelength is the wavelength falling in the middle of the range over which the satellite collects data.
The absorbing gases column lists the primary gases that absorb and emit radiation at the central wavelength. The term window used in this column refers to a channel that is transparent to atmospheric radiation.
The sounding level is the average level where most of the radiant energy sensed by the satellite originates, assuming a cloud-free atmosphere.
The column labeled meteorological objective or primary use provides examples of how a band is used in physical applications.
The term resolution refers to the maximum resolution of the instrument, which is not always the same as the resolution of the ingested data in the image file.

	For more information about the format of the satellite image data, see the AREAnnnn data file described in Chapter 6, Format of the Data Files.
	See the image-specific characteristics section in Chapter 6 for aspects of McIDAS-X area files that are specific to their image type.

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