Cloud cover detection algorithm for EO-1 Hyperion imagery

Abstract
A cloud cover detection algorithm was developed for application to EO-1 Hyperion hyperspectral data. The algorithm uses only bands in the reflected solar spectral regions to discriminate clouds from surface features and was designed to be used on-board the EO-1 satellite as part of the EO-1 Extended Mission Phase of the EO-1 Science Program. The cloud cover algorithm uses only 6 bands to discriminate clouds from other bright surface features such as snow, ice, and desert sand. The code was developed using 20 Hyperion scenes with varying cloud amount, cloud type, underlying surface characteristics and seasonal conditions. Results from the application of the algorithm to these test scenes is given with a discussion on the accuracy of the procedure used in the cloud cover discrimination. Compared to subjective estimates of the scene cloud cover, the algorithm was typically within a few percent of the estimated total cloud cover.