The Nimbus image dissector camera system - An evaluation of its meteorological applications.

Brief description of the electronics and operation of the Nimbus image dissector camera system (IDCS). The geometry and distortions of the IDCS are compared to the conventional AVCS camera on board the operational ITOS and ESSA satellites. The unique scanning of the IDCS provides for little distortion of the image, making it feasible to use a strip grid for the IDCS received in real time by local APT stations. The dynamic range of the camera favors the white end (high reflectance) of the gray scale. Thus, the camera is good for detecting cloud structure and ice features through brightness changes. Examples of cloud features, ice, and snow-covered land are presented. Land features, on the other hand, show little contrast. The 2600 x 2600 km coverage by the IDCS is adequate for the early detection of weather systems which may affect the local area. An example of IDCS coverage obtained by an APT station in midlatitudes is presented.