This episode of "Thermal Lens" features Dr. Claire Bulgin, a Senior Research Scientist in Earth Observation at the University of Reading.
Claire takes us into the often-overlooked world of uncertainties in land surface temperature (LST) measurements and elaborates on the differences between error and uncertainty, the roles of accuracy, precision, and bias, and the challenges of calculating and communicating uncertainties. Claire breaks down how current satellite missions address these issues, the common sources of uncertainty, and what goes into building reliable uncertainty budgets.
We also discuss her recommendations for both satellite data providers and users on how to better provide, interpret, and apply uncertainty information. Whether you're working in climate services, agriculture, or environmental monitoring, this conversation is packed with insights into how uncertainty shapes our understanding of the Earth’s surface.
This episode is hosted by Jennifer Susan Adams, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zurich and Rachana Mamidi, a Space Engineer & Podcaster based in Berlin.
Links to resources mentioned in the episode:
- The LST CCI project webpage - https://climate.esa.int/en/projects/land-surface-temperature/
- LST CCI product user guide - https://admin.climate.esa.int/media/documents/LST-CCI-D4.3-PUG_-_i2r0_-_Product_User_Guide.pdf
- Uncertainty budget document - https://admin.climate.esa.int/media/documents/LST-CCI-D2.3-E3UB_-_i3r0_-_End-to-End_ECV_Uncertainty_Budget.pdf
For users with a strong mathematical background, the entire document will be accessible. For those less comfortable with mathematics, attention should be directed to the last three pages, where the key examples are presented. - LST CCI Climate Assessment Report - https://admin.climate.esa.int/media/documents/LST_cci-D5.1-CAR_-_i3r0_-_Phase2_Climate_Assessment_Report.pdf
Chapters:
- (00:00) - Intro
- (01:07) - Episode Summary
- (02:09) - Diving into Uncertainty and Error
- (05:22) - Importance of Uncertainty in Data
- (08:12) - Calculating Uncertainty Budgets
- (12:59) - Lifecycle of Uncertainty in Satellite Data
- (24:55) - Challenges in Computing Uncertainties
- (28:18) - Educating Users on Uncertainty
- (30:14) - European Space Agency's LST_CCI Project
- (37:34) - Resources for Learning About Uncertainty
- (39:21) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
