Tool NameFmask Cloud and Cloud Shadow Detection
Tool ID26
Library IDimagery_tools
Version1.0
Author(s)J.Spitzmüller, O.Conrad (c) 2025

Description

This tool implements the Function of mask (Fmask) algorithm for cloud and cloud shadow detection in Landsat and Sentinel-2 imagery. Input is Top-of-Atmosphere (TAO) reflectance obtained from processing Level-1C (both programs).

References

Zhu, Z., Wang, S., Woodcock, C.E. (2015): Improvement and expansion of the Fmask algorithm: cloud, cloud shadow, and snow detection for Landsats 4-7, 8, and Sentinel 2 images. Remote Sensing of Environment 159, 269-277. doi:10.1016/j.rse.2014.12.014

Zhu, Z., Woodcock, C.E. (2012): Object-based cloud and cloud shadow detection in Landsat imagery. Remote Sensing of Environment 118, 83-94. doi:10.1016/j.rse.2011.10.028


Parameters

NameTypeIdentifierDescriptionConstraints
Input
Bluegrid, inputBLUETM & ETM: Band 1; OLI/TIRS: Band 2; MSI: Band 2
Greengrid, inputGREENTM & ETM: Band 2; OLI/TIRS: Band 3; MSI: Band 3
Redgrid, inputREDTM & ETM: Band 3; OLI/TIRS: Band 4; MSI: Band 4
Near Infraredgrid, inputNIRTM & ETM: Band 4; OLI/TIRS: Band 5; MSI: Band 8
Shortwave Infrared 1grid, inputSWIR1TM & ETM: Band 5; OLI/TIRS: Band 6
Shortwave Infrared 2grid, inputSWIR2TM & ETM: Band 7; OLI/TIRS: Band 7
Cirrusgrid, inputCIRRUSOLI/TIRS: Band 9; MSI: Band 10
Radiometric Saturation Greengrid, input, optionalQARAD_G
Radiometric Saturation Redgrid, input, optionalQARAD_R
Thermal Infrared 1grid, inputTHERMALTM & ETM: Band 6; OLI/TIRS: Band 10
Shortwave Infrared 1grid, inputSWIR1_MSIMSI: Band 11
Shortwave Infrared 2grid, inputSWIR2_MSIMSI: Band 12
Cirrusgrid, inputCIRRUS_MSIMSI: Band 10
Output
Cloudsgrid, outputCLOUDS
Options
UnitchoiceTHERMAL_UNITAvailable Choices:
[0] Kelvin
[1] Celsius
Default: 0
Sensor (Spacecraft)choiceSENSORAvailable Choices:
[0] TM (Landsat 4,5)
[1] ETM+ (Landsat 7)
[2] OLI/TIRS (Landsat 8,9)
[3] MSI (Sentinel-2)
Default: 2
AlgorithmchoiceALGORITHMAvailable Choices:
[0] Fmask 1.6
[1] Fmask 3.2
Default: 1
Dilation Distancefloating point numberDILATIONMinimum: 0.000000
Default: 240.000000
Sun's Azimuthfloating point numberSUN_AZIMUTHDirection of sun clockwise from North [degree].Minimum: 0.000000
Maximum: 360.000000
Default: 180.000000
Sun's Heightfloating point numberSUN_HEIGHTHeight of sun above horizon [degree].Minimum: 0.000000
Maximum: 90.000000
Default: 45.000000