MISR Level 2 TOA/Cloud Classifier Parameters V003: Multi-angle Satellite Cloud Data

Nine push-broom cameras on the MISR satellite capture radiance in four spectral bands at nine different view angles. The data product contains parameters for the Angular Signature Cloud Mask, Regional Cloud Classifiers, and Cloud and Topographic Shadow Masks. NASA produces this data to monitor long-term trends in atmospheric aerosols, cloud properties, and land surface cover.

Use Cases

• Cloud type and height classification based on multi-angle spectral signatures.
• Atmospheric aerosol monitoring based on radiance measurements across four spectral bands.
• Land surface and vegetation canopy analysis based on near-infrared and visible light data.
• Shadow detection and correction for satellite imagery based on the provided Cloud and Topographic Shadow Masks.

Strengths

• Data is collected from nine cameras providing views at 0, 26.1, 45.6, 60.0, and 70.5 degree angles.
• Global coverage is achieved in a nine-day cycle.
• Spectral bands are centered at 443, 555, 670, and 865 nm, covering blue, green, red, and near-infrared.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data is provided in BIN and ISO formats, which may require specialized tools for access and processing.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Collected by the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument on a satellite.

Time Range

Data collection is ongoing; specific start date is not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 00:39:06.350227; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage.