Comparison between current and future environmental satellite imagers on cloud classification using MODIS

Future Satellite Imagers are expected to improve current ones on environmental and meteorological applications. In this study, an automatic classification schemeusingradiancemeasurementswithaclusteringmethod isappliedinanattempttocomparethecapability oncloudclassification by different sensors: AVHRR/3, the current GOES-12 Imager, SEVIRI, VIIRS, and ABI. The MODIS cloud mask is used as the initial classification. The results are analyzed with the help of true color and RGB composite images as well as other information about surface and cloud types. Results indicate thatthe futuresensors (ABI andVIIRS)providemuchbetter overallcloudclassification capabilities thantheir correspondingcurrentsensors (the current GOES-12 Imager and AVHRR/3) from the two chosen demonstration cases. However, for a specific class, it is not always true that more spectral bands result in better classification. In order to optimally use the spectral information, it is necessary to determine which bands are more sensitive for a specific class. Spatial resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of satellite sensors can significantly affect the classification. The 2.13 μm band could be useful for thin low cloud detection and the 3.7 μm band is useful for fresh snow detection.

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