Method for consistent along-track sharpness in a push-broom imaging system

Abstract

The along track spatial resolution in push broom imaging systems depends on platform parameters and imaging settings. This paper present a method for achieving a consistent spatial resolution for varying exposure times. We consider the geometry of a simplified push broom imaging system to derive relationships between spatial resolution, platform parameters (altitude, speed, focal length, slit width) and recording settings (exposure time, frame rate). The method is tested and verified using data from the HYPerspectral Smallsat for Ocean observation-1 (HYPSO-1). The spatial resolution is consistent over the exposure time range of 4.41ms to 49.3ms for low off-nadir angles when choosing frame rates according to the method.