GOES-R Satellite Validation Surface Radiance Data

NASA's GOES-R PLT dataset provides surface reflectance and total optical depth measurements from Ivanpah Playa, Nevada. The data was collected during a 2017 field campaign using an Automated Solar Radiometer and a portable spectroradiometer to validate post-launch calibration of the ABI and GLM instruments. However, the full dataset appears limited, with data files only confirmed for two specific days in March 2017.

Use Cases

• Validating the calibration of the AVIRIS-NG airborne instrument using surface reflectance measurements.
• Assessing atmospheric optical depth for satellite-based atmospheric correction algorithms.
• Supporting post-launch validation of the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) Level 1b and Level 2+ products.
• Providing ground-truth data for the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) validation efforts.

Strengths

• Data originates from NASA, a highly authoritative source for Earth observation.
• Measurements were made with specialized instruments: an Automated Solar Radiometer (ASR) and an ASD portable spectroradiometer.
• Campaign was designed for the specific, critical purpose of post-launch satellite validation.

Limitations

• The exact scope of the dataset is unclear; sources state data files are only available for March 23 and March 28, 2017, despite the campaign lasting from March to May.
• Key quantitative details like row count, file size, and complete column schema are unknown across all platforms.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist between sources (2026 vs. 2017), casting doubt on metadata maintenance.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Field campaign measurements using an Automated Solar Radiometer (ASR) and an ASD portable spectroradiometer with a Spectralon reference panel.

Time Range

2017-03 to 2017-05 (campaign period), with confirmed data for 2017-03-23 and 2017-03-28.

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:01:32.333929

Geography

Ivanpah Playa, Nevada, USA