An Automatic Cloud Tracking System Based on the Cross-Covariance Method

Abstract

An automatic cloud tracking system based on the computation of the cross-covariance between satellite images has been developed. The six steps of the System for Automatic Wind Extraction from Geostationary Satellite-Data (SAWEGS) are preprocessing, cloud tracking, height assignment, earth location, wind vector computation, and quality control. The system embodies various unique aspects developed to address the problems encountered with an automated technique in general and this technique in particular. These aspects include histogram-based temperature slicing, cloud edge and surface enhancement, tracking trackability tests, and use of numerical analysis temperature profiles for height assignment. Examples of applying SAWEGS to visible data, to infrared data, and to a difficult tropical cyclone case show the good quality and coverage of resulting vectors as well as the remaining difficulties.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA098124

Entities

People

  • David H. Lee
  • Roland E. Nagle

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheric Sciences
  • Computations
  • Cross Correlation
  • Data Processing
  • Geography
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Image Processing
  • Meteorology
  • Military Research
  • Navy
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Pattern Recognition
  • Quality Control
  • Research Facilities
  • Tropical Cyclones
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Computer Vision.

Technology Areas

  • Space