The authors propose a grouped threshold method for scene identification in Advanced Very High Resolution
Radiometer imagery that may contain clouds, fire, smoke, or snow. The philosophy of the approach is to build
modules that contain groups of spectral threshold tests that are applied concurrently, not sequentially, to each
pixel in an image. The purpose of each group of tests is to identify uniquely a specific class in the image, such
as smoke. A strength of this approach is that insight into the limits used in the threshold tests may be gained
through the use of radiative transfer theory. Methodology and examples are provided for two different scenes,
one containing clouds, forest fires, and smoke; and the other containing clouds over snow in the central United
States. For both scenes, a limited amount of supporting information is provided by surface
A grouped threshold method for discrimination of smoke, fire, and snow from clouds in daytime AVHRR data
Baum, B.A., and . Trepte (1999), A grouped threshold method for discrimination of smoke, fire, and snow from clouds in daytime AVHRR data, J. Atmos. Ocea. Tech., 16, 793-800.
Abstract
Research Program
Radiation Science Program (RSP)