Estimation and Mapping of Clouds and Rainfall Areas with an Interactive Computer

摘要

An automated cloud analysis program was developed and established on the SPADS(Satellite Data Processing and Display System) computer system at the Naval Environmental Prediction Research Facility (NEPRF). The program evaluates GOES(Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) visual and infrared satellite imagery simultaneously. The analysis method produces information on cloud types, cloud amount, precipitation intensity, and cloud top height and temperature through use of threshold tests of radiance, texture, and temperature. A review of current work on the evaluation of satellite information by computer and by manual analysis is included. A maritime region 460 X 460 nautical miles in size was selected for test analysis. The satellite imagery was manually evaluated and compared to the computer generated output. Reasonably good patterns of cloud types, precipitation and cloud amount were produced by the computer, although further testing and verification is needed.