Intercomparison of Cloud Imagery from the DMSP OLS, NOAA AVHRR, GOES VISSR, and Landsat MSS

Abstract

Concurrent visible and infrared imagery from four satellite sensors (DMSP OLS, NOAA AVHRR, GOES VISSR, Landsat MSS) have been intercompared. Inherent differences in observed cloud properties and cloud field analyses are noted due to individual sensor characteristics such as spatial and spectral resolution, solar illumination conditions, and scene/sensor geometry. Specific comparisons made include: GOES to DMSP, NOAA to DMSP, Landsat to DMSP and Landsat to GOES. These satellite imagery comparisons provide guidelines for the analyst to assist in the correct interpretation of cloud properties from different satellite sensors.