Publications

Goward, SN; Loboda, TV; Williams, DL; Huang, CQ (2019). Landsat Orbital Repeat Frequency and Cloud Contamination: A Case Study for Eastern United States. PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ENGINEERING AND REMOTE SENSING, 85(2), 109-118.

Abstract
A primary Landsat constraint is cloud contamination. The goal of this study is to evaluate how increasing Landsat temporal repeat frequency might achieve weekly cloud-free observations. This is a case study which examines eastern United States observations, as a typical representation of the temperate forest biome. A comparison between simultaneous Landsat and MODIS observations shows that MODIS observations provide a reasonable approximation of observed Landsat cloud cover conditions. Daily MODIS cloud observations are examined, using image compositing, to evaluate how increasing Landsat temporal repeat frequency might reduce weekly Landsat cloud contamination. Results suggests that for these eastern US locations weekly clear views are best achieved with daily satellite repeat frequency, bi-weekly clear views with 2-day repeat, monthly clear views are achieved with 4-day repeat and seasonal clear views with 8-day repeat. To more fully understand the global impact of cloud contamination on Landsat observations similar studies are needed for the Earth's other major biomes.

DOI:
10.14358/PERS.85.2.109

ISSN:
0099-1112