Whole Sky Imager (WSI) - IOP
Instrument Categories: Cloud Properties
General Overview
The whole-sky imager (WSI) is an automated imager used for assessing and documenting cloud fields and cloud field dynamics. The WSI is a ground-based electronic imaging system that monitors the upper hemisphere. It is a passive, i.e., non-emissive, system that acquires images of the sky dome through three spectral filters (neutral, red, and blue). From these sky images, we can assess the presence, distribution, shape, and radiance of clouds over the entire sky using automated cloud decision algorithms and related processing. The current WSI model (EO System 6) is capable of image acquisition under daylight, moonlight, and starlight conditions.
IOPs Where the Instrument was Used
Cloudiness Inter-Comparison IOP
Southern Great Plains, Mid-February to Mid-April, 2003Remote Cloud Sensing (RCS) Field Evaluation
Southern Great Plains, April-May 1995Spring Cloud IOP
Southern Great Plains, March 1 - 26, 2000The ARM Pilot Radiation Observation Experiment (PROBE)
Tropical Western Pacific, January-February 1993Whole Sky Imager Cloud Fraction Data
Southern Great Plains, January - December 1994
Primary Measurements Taken
The following measurements are those considered scientifically relevant. Refer to the datastream (netcdf) file headers for the list of all available measurements, including those recorded for diagnostic or quality assurance purposes.
Mentor(s)
Jimmy Voyles
(979) 690-9846
jimmy.voyles@pnl.gov