What does temporal analysis require in relation to cloud cover in remote sensing?

Temporal analysis in remote sensing focuses on observing changes in an area over time. This process is significantly complicated by cloud cover, which can obscure the surface features that one needs to analyze. The creation of cloud-free images over time is essential as it allows for consistent and accurate comparisons of the same geographical area across different time periods.

When images are taken during cloudy conditions, crucial data about the land surface, such as vegetation health, urban development, or water body changes, can be hidden. Therefore, generating cloud-free images, typically through techniques like image compositing or utilizing satellite data acquired during different times when clouds were absent, ensures that the analysis reflects true environmental changes rather than artifacts caused by cloud cover. This makes cloud-free image creation a vital step in successful temporal analysis, allowing researchers and analysts to confidently interpret the data regarding landscape dynamics and changes over time.