Optical Fourier Transform Analysis Of Satellite Cloud Imagery

James B. Mason

doi:10.1117/12.955873

18 November 1977 Optical Fourier Transform Analysis Of Satellite Cloud Imagery

James B. Mason

Proceedings Volume 0125, Advances in Laser Technology for the Atmospheric Sciences; (1977) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955873
Event: 21st Annual Technical Symposium, 1977, San Diego, United States

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to determine whether satellite derived cloud imagery can be effectively analyzed by optical means. Fourier transforms of a number of cloud images are obtained optically and digitized for analysis. Scenes are chosen from a 20 March 1975 frontal system across the Midwestern United States. Analysis is limited to three image categories: straight edges (jet stream), uniform cloud cover with globular texture (the frontal band), and broken cover or isolated globular texture (cumulonimbus activity). These are analyzed for time development of features as well as for type distinguishing features. The ROSA system at Engineering Topographic Laboratories is used in this analysis and the imagery is taken from the satellite ground station at the Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory. The results so far indicate that: (1) certain cloud features can be identified but that uniqueness of the identification must be established on a larger statistical sample, (2) the contrast level in "visual" imagery is not ideal and improvements in identification are expected to result from appropriate enhancements which can be applied "on line", (3) the scan line structure of the imagery can be more effectively exploited, and (4) this method of analysis merits a closer look.

Citation Download Citation

James B. Mason "Optical Fourier Transform Analysis Of Satellite Cloud Imagery", Proc. SPIE 0125, Advances in Laser Technology for the Atmospheric Sciences, (18 November 1977); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955873

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