PACE OCI Level-2 Regional Cloud Mask: Near Real-time Data

Near real-time (NRT) satellite data produced by the Ocean Biology DAAC, providing a snapshot within a single orbit. The dataset contains cloud mask bitmask variables to identify cloud-covered and cloud-adjacent pixels. It is used operationally as a screen for downstream ocean color products.

Use Cases

• Strict cloud removal for clear-sky pixel analysis based on the 'cloud_flag' variable.
• Conservative cloud masking to reduce edge artifacts in downstream products based on the 'cloud_flag_dilated' variable.
• Flagging and quality control of Level-2 satellite data based on the 'l2_flags' bitmask.

Strengths

• Provides two distinct cloud mask variables ('cloud_flag' and 'cloud_flag_dilated') for different screening needs.
• Designed for operational use in the processing chain for ocean color products like Rrs and chlorophyll.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to near real-time processing with less-than-optimal ancillary inputs.

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the PACE OCI instrument.

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT), implying frequent updates.

Geography

Regional coverage, specific regions not stated.