Near real-time cloud mask data from NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC identifies cloud-covered pixels globally. The product provides two core geophysical variables: cloud_flag for strict cloud removal and cloud_flag_dilated for a conservative mask that reduces cloud-edge artifacts. It is produced operationally using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data.
Use Cases
- Screen clouds from clear-sky ocean color algorithms based on the cloud_flag variable.
- Reduce cloud-edge artifacts in downstream products like Rrs and chlorophyll based on the cloud_flag_dilated mask.
- Identify cloud-contaminated pixels for cloud property algorithms based on the bitmask data.
- Apply operational 'cloud and cloud-adjacent' screening for satellite data processing based on the CLDMASK product.
Strengths
- Provides two distinct cloud mask variables (cloud_flag and cloud_flag_dilated) for different screening needs.
- Data is produced in near real-time, offering a snapshot from a single orbit.
- Operationally used as the 'cloud and cloud-adjacent' screen.
Limitations
- Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- The inputs and calibration used are described as 'less than optimal' for the NRT product.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD).
- Collection Method
- Derived from satellite observations using ancillary meteorological and ozone data.
- Freshness
- Near real-time (NRT).
- Geography
- Global.