A novel algorithm for detecting center of tropical cyclone in satellite infrared images

Abstract

A novel algorithm is developed for the automatic detecting the center of tropical cyclones (TC) using the infrared (IR) images from geostationary satellites. Edge detection and density matrix are utilized to determine the center of TC. FY-2F IR images of two TC, Usagi (September 17–23, 2013) and Haiyan (November 3–12, 2013) have been analyzed using the proposed algorithm. Experimental results compared with the observed track given by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) show that the proposed method provides accurate estimates of the cyclone center. The present algorithm has a potential to be applied in a automated mode and can be used to replace the manual center determination.