Private, on-device comparison

Identify a cloud from a photo

Choose a clear view of the sky, then select how much classification detail you want. All four models run locally and leave the photograph on your device.

Before you choose a photograph

Three details make the comparison more useful

Fill the frame with sky

Use one representative cloud pattern and minimize buildings, trees, windows, and horizon.

Keep texture visible

Avoid heavy blur, deep darkness, or blown highlights. Never look at or point the camera directly at the Sun.

Keep context in mind

A photo loses cloud height and motion. Use the result as a prompt to compare field clues—not as a definitive answer.

Step 1

Choose a model and sky photo

Processed on this device

Identification detail

Each option uses a different local model and label vocabulary. Models load only when selected.

Experimental11 labels Broad12 labels Detailed15 labels Fine detail25 labels

Compact 11-label baseline · 2.0 MB

Take or choose a photo JPEG, PNG, or WebP · up to 15 MB · pasting also works on supported browsers

Preparing the cloud model…

Educational comparison, not predictive The compact baseline measured 46.25% accuracy on its held-out CCSN test split. No model here can forecast weather or assess hazards. Use official meteorological services for forecasts, warnings, aviation, marine, hiking, or emergency decisions.

How the photograph is handled

Your browser downloads the selected model and its browser runtime. The selected image is prepared and classified locally. PictureCloud does not upload the photograph or result.

Firebase Hosting and jsDelivr still receive ordinary connection information when serving site files. Analytics is disabled until a production identifier and consent configuration are supplied. Advertising is also disabled and requires a separate, CSP-compatible implementation—not just an identifier. Read the privacy policy for details.

What the comparison covers

Ten cloud genera plus Contrail. Similar textures, mixed skies, trees, buildings, haze, and poor exposure can change the scores.

Clouds evolve continuously and a single frame loses height and motion cues. Compare the top results with the PictureCloud atlas, then look again from another angle or after a few minutes.