Category: Processing and quality
Reprocessing (Processing Baseline)
Reprocessing means older data is processed again with updated algorithms or calibration, which can change values for the same date.
Also known as: processing baseline, reprocessed data
Expanded definition
Data providers sometimes reprocess archives to apply improved calibration, better atmospheric correction, or updated masks. That can change pixel values even though nothing changed on the ground.
Reprocessing is not automatically bad. It often improves quality. The risk is that time-series analytics can show artificial steps if processing versions change mid-series.
Operational workflows should track processing versions and treat processing baseline changes as a potential source of apparent change.
Related terms
Radiometry
Radiometry is the measurement and calibration of electromagnetic energy recorded by a sensor.
Harmonization
Harmonization reduces differences between scenes or sensors so values are more comparable across time.
Time Series
A time series is a sequence of observations over time for the same location, used for monitoring and change detection.