GPM Validation Network: Satellite and Ground Radar Matchups

Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) data is matched with ground-based radar observations from NOAA's WSR-88D network. This dataset contains variables for validating satellite precipitation estimates, including reflectivity, hydrometeor identification, rain rate, correlation coefficient, and quality control metrics. Data are available in netCDF-3 format from March 2014 to July 2021, with periodic updates planned.

Use Cases

• Validating GPM satellite precipitation estimates using direct ground radar matchups.
• Analyzing hydrometeor types (e.g., rain, snow, hail) from combined radar observations.
• Assessing data quality and correlation between space-based and ground-based radar systems.
• Calibrating or improving ground radar rain rate algorithms with satellite reference data.

Strengths

• Provides a direct, quality-controlled matchup between satellite (GPM DPR/GMI) and ground (WSR-88D) radar systems.
• Covers a multi-year time range from March 9, 2014, through July 31, 2021.
• Is hosted by NASA and appears on multiple government data platforms, indicating established provenance.

Limitations

• Column names and exact data structure are not specified in the provided metadata.
• The license is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without further detail.
• Update frequency is noted as 'periodic' but not defined, and the most recent metadata update (2026) conflicts with the stated data end date (2021).

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Created using the Validation Network (VN), which performs direct match-ups of GPM satellite data with NOAA WSR-88D ground radar data.

Time Range

March 9, 2014 through July 31, 2021

Freshness

Metadata was last updated on April 10, 2026, but the data coverage ends on July 31, 2021.

Geography

Global, corresponding to GPM satellite coverage and NOAA WSR-88D radar network locations.