Engineering topics

Garder, L.

Publications and source records attributed to Garder, L..

2 records

NASA NTRS1984

Selection of a map grid for data analysis and archival

Arguments for selection of a map grid are reiterated by illustrating the quantitative effects on data quality caused by using different grids. It is shown that the use of the rectangular latitude-longitude grid actually degrades data quality, increases stored data volume, and increases the complexity of data manipulation. Use of an equal-area grid is shown to be a proper way to aggregate data, but such grids are thought to be inconvenient. A solution to this dilemma is proposed by showing that the analysis and archival map grids need not be the same. The results of a proper analysis of the data on an equal-area grid can be remapped to the more 'convenient' rectangular latitude-longitude grid without loss of quality.

Rossow, W. B.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Seasonal and global cloud variations deduced from polar orbiting satellite radiance measurements

The utility of currently available satellite radiance data for determining cloud radiative effects is evaluated. Each location observed by satellite is classified as clear or cloudy by comparison of measured radiances with specified values. Clear scene radiances are functions of time and location which represent the actual variation of the surface and atmospheric properties that affect the measured radiances. Cloud properties are determined by comparison of model and observed radiance. The seasonal change in cloud properties is shown, displaying the difference between July and January monthly mean values of cloud cover fraction, cloud top temperature, cloud top altitude, and cloud optical thickness.

Rossow, W. B.↗