Date of Award

12-1992

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Thomas S. Kelso, PhD

Abstract

Models used to predict the probability of a cloud-free line-of-sight (PCFLOS) from the ground to space have existed since the 1960s. Unfortunately, an adequate data set has not been available to check the validity of these models until the deployment of the Whole-Sky Imager (WSI) system in 1989. Now that a three-year database has been collected from the WSI system, it is possible to validate, or refute, the existing models. This study investigates the most generally accepted models. Specifically, we investigate three questions: (1) Is the Lund and Shank-lin PCFLOS model assumption of azimuthal independence valid; (2) Does the Lund and Shanklin sub-sampling of data via the use of a template adequately correlate to both the full image and the grid image; and, (3) Do the Lund and Shanklin and SRI model estimates correlate to the WSI observations. The primary contribution of this study is the development of a methodology which employs time series analysis techniques to evaluate and ultimately corroborate the assumption of azimuthal independence.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSO-ENS-92D-04

DTIC Accession Number

ADA259042

Comments

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

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