Cloud mask on S3 OLCI

Optical Toolbox
#1

Hi,

I want to mask out cloudy pixel from S3 OLCI level 1 images. For that, I have been checking two main options:

  • using the quality_flags_bright included in the product
  • Run the IdePix processor to derive a cloud mask

However, if we compare the results we can see differences. By visually checking the masks with a true RGB, IdePix seems to work better. Is it okay to assume that IdePix is works better in identifying clouds than the original mask included in the products? Am I missing another way of identifying cloudy pixels in this type of product?

quality_flags_bright

image.jpg823×678 156 KB

IdePix_Cloud

image.jpg819×678 166 KB

M

#2

Yes, IdePix should be better. To do a cloud screening is one of the main purposes of IdePix.
I’m not aware of another cloud screening for OLCI.