A Framework for Satellite-Based 3D Cloud Data: An Overview of the VIIRS Cloud Base Height Retrieval and User Engagement for Aviation Applications
Satellites have provided decades of valuable cloud observations, but the data from conventional passive radiometers are biased toward information from at or near cloud top. Tied with the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Cloud Calibration/Validatio...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2022-11-01
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| Series: | Remote Sensing |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/14/21/5524 |
| _version_ | 1797466589094739968 |
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| author | Yoo-Jeong Noh John M. Haynes Steven D. Miller Curtis J. Seaman Andrew K. Heidinger Jeffrey Weinrich Mark S. Kulie Mattie Niznik Brandon J. Daub |
| author_facet | Yoo-Jeong Noh John M. Haynes Steven D. Miller Curtis J. Seaman Andrew K. Heidinger Jeffrey Weinrich Mark S. Kulie Mattie Niznik Brandon J. Daub |
| author_sort | Yoo-Jeong Noh |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Satellites have provided decades of valuable cloud observations, but the data from conventional passive radiometers are biased toward information from at or near cloud top. Tied with the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Cloud Calibration/Validation research, we developed a statistical Cloud Base Height (CBH) algorithm using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) A-Train satellite data. This retrieval, which is currently part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Enterprise Cloud Algorithms, provides key information needed to display clouds in a manner that goes beyond the typical top-down plan view. The goal of this study is to provide users with high-quality three-dimensional (3D) cloud structure information which can maximize the benefits and performance of JPSS cloud products. In support of the JPSS Proving Ground Aviation Initiative, we introduced Cloud Vertical Cross-sections (CVCs) along flight routes over Alaska where satellite data are extremely helpful in filling significant observational gaps. Valuable feedback and insights from interactions with aviation users allowed us to explore a new approach to provide satellite-based 3D cloud data. The CVC is obtained from multiple cloud retrieval products with supplementary data such as temperatures, Pilot Reports (PIREPs), and terrain information. We continue to improve the product demonstrations based on user feedback, extending the domain to the contiguous United States with the addition of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-16 Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). Concurrently, we have refined the underlying science algorithms for improved nighttime and multilayered cloud retrievals by utilizing Day/Night Band (DNB) data and exploring machine learning approaches. The products are evaluated using multiple satellite data sources and surface measurements. This paper presents our accomplishments and continuing efforts in both scientific and user-engagement improvements since the beginning of the VIIRS era. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T18:40:58Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-45890cc4b50746e583130bdf8563f39f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2072-4292 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T18:40:58Z |
| publishDate | 2022-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Remote Sensing |
| spelling | doaj.art-45890cc4b50746e583130bdf8563f39f2023-11-24T06:40:22ZengMDPI AGRemote Sensing2072-42922022-11-011421552410.3390/rs14215524A Framework for Satellite-Based 3D Cloud Data: An Overview of the VIIRS Cloud Base Height Retrieval and User Engagement for Aviation ApplicationsYoo-Jeong Noh0John M. Haynes1Steven D. Miller2Curtis J. Seaman3Andrew K. Heidinger4Jeffrey Weinrich5Mark S. Kulie6Mattie Niznik7Brandon J. Daub8Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USACooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USACooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USACooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USANational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, Madison, WI 53706, USANational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Office of Science and Technology Integration, Silver Springs, MD 20910, USANational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, Madison, WI 53706, USACooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USACooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USASatellites have provided decades of valuable cloud observations, but the data from conventional passive radiometers are biased toward information from at or near cloud top. Tied with the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Cloud Calibration/Validation research, we developed a statistical Cloud Base Height (CBH) algorithm using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) A-Train satellite data. This retrieval, which is currently part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Enterprise Cloud Algorithms, provides key information needed to display clouds in a manner that goes beyond the typical top-down plan view. The goal of this study is to provide users with high-quality three-dimensional (3D) cloud structure information which can maximize the benefits and performance of JPSS cloud products. In support of the JPSS Proving Ground Aviation Initiative, we introduced Cloud Vertical Cross-sections (CVCs) along flight routes over Alaska where satellite data are extremely helpful in filling significant observational gaps. Valuable feedback and insights from interactions with aviation users allowed us to explore a new approach to provide satellite-based 3D cloud data. The CVC is obtained from multiple cloud retrieval products with supplementary data such as temperatures, Pilot Reports (PIREPs), and terrain information. We continue to improve the product demonstrations based on user feedback, extending the domain to the contiguous United States with the addition of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-16 Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). Concurrently, we have refined the underlying science algorithms for improved nighttime and multilayered cloud retrievals by utilizing Day/Night Band (DNB) data and exploring machine learning approaches. The products are evaluated using multiple satellite data sources and surface measurements. This paper presents our accomplishments and continuing efforts in both scientific and user-engagement improvements since the beginning of the VIIRS era.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/14/21/5524VIIRScloud base height retrieval3D satellite cloud productsaviation weather applicationsuser engagement |
| spellingShingle | Yoo-Jeong Noh John M. Haynes Steven D. Miller Curtis J. Seaman Andrew K. Heidinger Jeffrey Weinrich Mark S. Kulie Mattie Niznik Brandon J. Daub A Framework for Satellite-Based 3D Cloud Data: An Overview of the VIIRS Cloud Base Height Retrieval and User Engagement for Aviation Applications Remote Sensing VIIRS cloud base height retrieval 3D satellite cloud products aviation weather applications user engagement |
| title | A Framework for Satellite-Based 3D Cloud Data: An Overview of the VIIRS Cloud Base Height Retrieval and User Engagement for Aviation Applications |
| title_full | A Framework for Satellite-Based 3D Cloud Data: An Overview of the VIIRS Cloud Base Height Retrieval and User Engagement for Aviation Applications |
| title_fullStr | A Framework for Satellite-Based 3D Cloud Data: An Overview of the VIIRS Cloud Base Height Retrieval and User Engagement for Aviation Applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Framework for Satellite-Based 3D Cloud Data: An Overview of the VIIRS Cloud Base Height Retrieval and User Engagement for Aviation Applications |
| title_short | A Framework for Satellite-Based 3D Cloud Data: An Overview of the VIIRS Cloud Base Height Retrieval and User Engagement for Aviation Applications |
| title_sort | framework for satellite based 3d cloud data an overview of the viirs cloud base height retrieval and user engagement for aviation applications |
| topic | VIIRS cloud base height retrieval 3D satellite cloud products aviation weather applications user engagement |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/14/21/5524 |
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