Abstract
The material in this paper provides an introduction to the Multispectral Scanner (MSS) subsystems used in the LANDSAT series of satellites, highlighting those aspects of the sensor and of the spacecraft orbital characteristics which facilitate an understanding of the range of data processing and of the preprocessing methodology. The functionality of the on‐board radipmetric calibration device is outlined, and its utilization within the absolute radiometric calibration procedure is defined. The scanning geometry, and the spatial and radiometric traits of individual samples of data recorded by the MSS are discussed in some detail, after which the samples are placed in the context of a complete scene. This leads to a description of the geometric and radiometric relationship between the information stored in one scene of raw data and the corresponding ground area. The specific preprocessing methods utilized for the generation of either film or Computer Compatible Tape (CCT) products in the Canadian production system are described. However, the concepts and general description are applicable to all countries supplying LANDSAT MSS data products. The resulting variety of data products is explained in relation to the nature and level of corrections applied to the raw data. Orbital and geometric characteristics are described for LANDSAT 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. However, since production facilities have in general been significantly modified in the LANDSAT 4 and 5 era, data preprocessing methods for LANDSAT 1, 2 and 3 only are discussed in the text.

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