SSM/I and AMSU-based snow cover products are used operationally by the NESDIS Synoptic Analysis Branch (SAB) to supplement visible and infrared-based estimates. The SAB utilizes all available GOES and POES data in their production of a daily Northern Hemisphere snow/ice map. The microwave snow cover products improve analyses where clouds mask the underlying surface and particularly in the winter season when there is little or no sunlight for useful visible imagery.