GOES-13 Satellite Images for Cold-Season Precipitation Validation

GOES-13 satellite images provide visible and infrared data for the GPM Cold-Season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). The dataset contains PNG format images captured at 15-minute intervals over the MC3E campaign area. It was produced and archived in near real-time by NASA's Global Hydrology Resource Center.

Use Cases

• Validating GPM satellite precipitation estimates against ground observations during winter conditions.
• Analyzing cloud and storm system evolution using 15-minute interval visible wavelength imagery.
• Studying thermal properties of cloud tops and surface features using concurrent infrared imagery.
• Supporting real-time mission monitoring (RTMM) for field campaign operations.

Strengths

• Images were archived in near real-time, supporting timely analysis during the field campaign.
• Data provides consistent temporal coverage at 15-minute intervals for the campaign period.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData indicates recognized importance for the research community.

Limitations

• Key metadata such as row count, file size, and specific column names are unavailable across all sources.
• There is a conflict in the 'last updated' date: Data.gov lists 2026-03-13, while NASA EarthData lists 2012-03-14.
• The license is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without further detail.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Global Hydrology Resource Center.

Collection Method

Produced and archived in near real-time from GOES-13 satellite data for use with the Real Time Mission Monitor.

Time Range

January 1,, 2012 to March 13, 2012

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:24:26.921439

Geography

MC3E campaign area.