Cloud Mask

Overview

The MODIS Cloud Mask product is a Level-2 product generated at 1-km and 250-m (at nadir) spatial resolutions. The algorithm employs a series of visible and infrared threshold and consistency tests to specify confidence that an unobstructed view of the Earth's surface is observed. An indication of shadows affecting the scene is also provided. The 250-m cloud-mask flags are based on the visible channel data only. Radiometrically accurate radiances are required, so holes in the Cloud Mask will appear wherever the input radiances are incomplete or of poor quality. There are two MODIS Cloud Mask data product files: MOD35_L2, containing data collected from the Terra platform, and MYD35_L2, containing data collected from the Aqua platform.

Product Information

Product Details

Product Name Terra Aqua
Cloud Mask and Spectral Test Results 5-Min L2 Swath 250m and 1km

Overview

The MODIS-VIIRS Cloud Mask (MVCM) is designed to facilitate continuity in cloud detection between the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on the Aqua and Terra platforms and the series of VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instruments, beginning with the Suomi NPP and NOAA (NOAA-20/JPSS-1, NOAA-21/JPSS-2, etc.) platforms. To establish continuity, this product is derived from the MODIS-VIIRS cloud mask (MVCM) algorithm, which itself is based on the MODIS (MOD35) algorithm. The CLDMSK_L2_MODIS_Aqua Cloud Mask is a Level-2 product generated at 1000 m (at nadir) spatial resolution. The CLDMSK_L2_VIIRS_SNPP and CLDMSK_L2_VIIRS_NOAA20 and CLDMSK_L2_VIIRS_NOAA21 Cloud Masks are Level-2 products generated at 750 m (at nadir) spatial resolution. The algorithm employs a series of visible through infrared threshold and consistency tests to specify confidence that an unobstructed view of the Earth's surface has been observed. Radiometrically accurate radiances are required, thus holes in the cloud mask will appear wherever the input radiances are incomplete, or of poor quality.

Product Information

Product Details

MODIS Product Name Aqua
Cloud Mask 5-Min Swath 1000 m (Aqua)
VIIRS Product Name Suomi NPP | NOAA-20 | NOAA-21
Cloud Mask 6-Min Swath 750 m (SNPP)
Cloud Mask 6-Min Swath 750 m (NOAA20)
Cloud Mask and Spectral Test Results 6-Min L2 Swath 750 m