The validation team has now perfected their techniques for collecting and analyzing data with subsequent intercomparisons with other teams. Results suggest a good agreement confirming MISR's retrieval approach. Roger Marchand described the MISR cloud validation plan. This section of the meeting focussed on refining the MISR algorithms in preparation for launch and strengthening the link between MISR's standard products and early mission science. Roger Davies started the session by reviewing MISR's hierarchy of stereo matchers.
Simple tests suggest that the combined set of matchers is reliable and robust.
Tests using the simulated dataset described above, combined with accurate truth fields, will provide better reliability estimates. Radiometric techniques, developed by Larry Di Girolamo, utilize a dynamic thresholding method to detect clouds. Eugene Clothiaux described his research on cloud detection using texture techniques as an example of possible future algorithms. Local albedos are calculated from MISR data using a combination of solid angle weighting, deterministic, and stochastic methods. Local albedos are then used to determine coarse resolution restrictive and expansive values.