The Empirical Cloud Mask Algorithm (ECMA)

The EMCA is composed from a total of eight of MODIS bands (469 nm, 555 nm, 645 nm, 859 nm, 1380 nm, 2130 nm, 11 μm and 12 μm). Currently, the ECMA has a simple yes/no output which corresponds to cloudy or non-cloudy pixels in a day-only MODIS scene. Therefore, further research remains pending to expand its applicability over night passes.

Although, the current ECMA expression is developed based on the MODIS bands, its applicability using different sensors using different spectral and thermal bands is also open for investigation. Finally, the ECMA can be viewed as the dynamic mathematical-code representation of day-only clouds observed in MODIS, whose nature is equally dynamic and can thus explain its success.