Multitemporal validation of an unmixing-based MERIS cloud screening algorithm

The operational use of MERIS images can be hampered by the presence of clouds because this instrument works in the visible and near-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. This work presents a cloud screening algorithm that takes advantage of the high spectral and radiometric resolutions of MERIS and the specific location of some of its bands to increase the cloud detection accuracy. In order to validate the proposed algorithm we set up a real multitemporal land cover mapping application over cloudy areas. A temporal series of MERIS FR images acquired over The Netherlands was used to derive sub-pixel land cover composition by means of linear unmixing techniques.