Are cloud amounts estimated from satellite sensor and conventional surface-based observations related?

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Abstract
A new basis for the relationship between the (vertical) earthview E of cloud amount and the (whole dome) skycover S of cloud amount has been sought. Over 4500 all-sky camera photographs, representing a considerable range of seasonal and climatological conditions, have been analysed to give rise to a database from which predictive relationships have been established. Cubic functions are the most soundly based both physically and empirically. We find S=0.647 + 2192E−0.461E 2 + 0.037E 3 and E = −0.001 + 0.082S + 0.269S 2−0.019S 3 for the prediction of skycover from earthview and earthview from skycover respectively. If earthview is required from skycover observations then E≈S could be used with little additional error. Hence conventional surface observations of skycover could be compared directly with earthview values derived from satellite sensors.
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