IPL-HRTM
IPL Contribution to the Scientific Exploitation of the High-Resolution Thermal Missions: LSTM, TRISHNA, SBG
The challenge
Filling a Critical Observational Gap
High-resolution thermal Earth observation has been identified as one of the most critical gaps in our ability to monitor a rapidly warming planet. To manage irrigation at field level, map urban heat islands block by block, or detect early fire hotspots, you need thermal data at ~50 m resolution — something that didn't exist until now.
The upcoming launches of LSTM (ESA), TRISHNA (CNES/ISRO), and SBG (NASA) will provide this capability. But the data is only useful if the algorithms and products are ready. That's what IPL-HRTM is building.
From satellite data to impact
Deliverables
What We're Building
Concrete algorithms, datasets, software tools, and validated products — all published as open access.
LST Retrieval — LSTM/TRISHNA/SBG
Novel algorithms for Land Surface Temperature retrieval at ~50 m resolution. Physically-based and machine-learning approaches. Published as ATBD.
Evapotranspiration & Water Stress
Surface energy balance models applied to high-resolution thermal imagery for precision agriculture and water resource management.
Urban Heat Island Mapping
SUHI indices (UFTVI, DI, SUHImax, SUHImin) computed from high-resolution thermal data. Compared against ECOSTRESS.
Calibration / Validation Database
Multi-year in-situ measurements from 6 permanent stations across Spain, plus data from intensive campaigns in Europe and the USA.
Water Management Prototype
End-to-end demo application for water stress and ET mapping in agricultural areas across Spain, Italy, and France.
Thermal Anomaly Detection
Operational algorithms for forest fire front detection, volcanic hotspots, and peat/coal fire monitoring.
Crop Yield Estimation
Empirical EO-based models connecting satellite thermal and optical data with agricultural statistics for wheat and rice.
Satellite Pre-processed Database
Unified-format collection of LSTM, TRISHNA, SBG, Landsat, and ECOSTRESS imagery deposited in open repositories (Zenodo, Figshare).
Open-Access Publications
Results published preferentially as Open Access in Remote Sensing of Environment, IEEE TGRS, J. Geophys. Research, and others.
Progress
Project Milestones
Pre-processed satellite & airborne database available
LST maps generated and available in open formats
Product maps (ET, SUHI, hotspots) generated
Cal/Val comparison against in-situ completed
All applications fully developed and deployed
Mid-term review report
Final report and project completion
Timeline
3-Year Schedule
Field Campaigns
Built on 25 years of experience
Previous Projects
IPL-LSTM
PredecessorPreparatory science for the ESA LSTM mission. Established the algorithm baseline and permanent station network.
TIRSAT
NationalThermal infrared satellite data processing chain development and initial cal/val station deployment.
CEOS-SPAIN2
CEOSInternational Committee on Earth Observation Satellites — Spain II. Expanded cal/val activities.
CEOS-SPAIN
CEOSFirst CEOS coordination for Spanish thermal sensor calibration and validation framework.
MORERA (CDTI)
OngoingCurrently active CDTI-funded project led by PI-1. SAR and thermal remote sensing activities.
ESA-funded campaigns
ESAMultiple ESA-funded intensive field campaigns over Spain coordinated by the GCU for sensor calibration.