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Frequently Asked Questions about the Landsat Missions

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Question:
Why is the thermal band on Landsat 7 (band 6) acquired in both low and high gain?

Answer:

Band 6 L/H ("low" and "high") refer to the gain settings of which the band is acquired. Since band 6 is acquired in both, the gain settings are provided as two separate band files.

Band 6L will provide an expanded dynamic range and lower radiometric resolution (sensitivity), with less saturation at high Digital Number (DN) values. Band 6H will have higher radiometric resolution (sensitivity) although it has a more restricted dynamic range.