Comparison of Fusion Methods for Generating 250m MODIS Image

The MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor has 36 bands at 250m, 500m, 1km spatial resolution. However, 500m or 1km MODIS data exhibits a few limitations when low resolution data is applied at small areas that possess complex land cover types. In this study, we produce seven 250m spectral bands by fusing two MODIS 250m bands into five 500m bands. In order to recommend the best fusion method by which one acquires MODIS data, we compare seven fusion methods including the Brovey transform, principle components algorithm (PCA) fusion method, the Gram-Schmidt fusion method, the least mean and variance matching method, the least square fusion method, the discrete wavelet fusion method, and the wavelet-PCA fusion method. Results of the above fusion methods are compared using various evaluation indicators such as correlation, relative difference of mean, relative variation, deviation index, peak signal-to-noise ratio index and universal image quality index, as well as visual interpretation method. Among various fusion methods, the local mean and variance matching method provides the best fusion result for the visual interpretation and the evaluation indicators. The fusion algorithm of 250m MODIS data may be used to effectively improve the accuracy of various MODIS land products.