Algorithm intercomparision for accuracy assessment of the MODIS snow-mapping algorithm

MODIS, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), is scheduled for launch in late 1998 or 1999 aboard the first Earth Observing System (EOS) platform. Global, daily snow-cover maps with a spatial resolution of 500 meters will be produced from MODIS data using a fully-automated and computationally-frugal snow-mapping algorithm. Recently, modifications to the original snow-mapping algorithm have been made to improve the accuracy of the MODIS snow-mapping algorithm in forests. To determine if these modifications provide improved snow mapping, and to assess the potential accuracy of MODIS snow maps, an intercomparison with snow maps created from three other snow-mapping algorithms was undertaken. The enhanced MODIS algorithm consistently identifies a higher proportion of pixels as snow than does the original. Comparisons with other snow-mapping algorithms demonstrate the enhanced MODIS algorithm does offer improved snow detection over the original.