Method for determining presence and distribution of clouds

摘要

A method and process for the determination of presence and distribution of clouds is presented. The method involves the use of a sensor, such as laser ranger, for the collection of echo location measurement data from a three dimensional volume of the sky. The process involved in this invention utilizes the measurement data to evaluate and test for the presence of cloud banks. The process also utilizes the measurement data to quantitatively and qualitatively determine the cloud coverage amount and distribution. The preferred embodiment includes a laser ranger that samples the three dimensional volume at several azimuth-elevation angles through the application of a device capable of selecting azimuth-elevation angle values.