Value of Open-Source Data on Clouds to Remote Surveillance Planning

January, 2019
IDA document: D-10431
FFRDC: Systems and Analyses Center
Type: Research Summary/Research Insights , Documents
Division: System Evaluation Division , Science, Systems and Sustainment Division
Authors:
Authors
Alex J. Slawik, Eric A. Adelizzi, Geoffrey M. Koretsky See more authors
Download Publication
Value of Open-Source Data on Clouds to Remote Surveillance Planning
Airborne electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors are effective in monitoring objects on the ground in the dry climates of the Middle East and portions of Central Asia, but their effectiveness is hindered in cloudier climates found in the Baltic region and the Korean peninsula, for example. Because EO/IR wavelengths cannot penetrate clouds, information on frequency and morphology of cloud cover is useful for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance planning.