GPM_IMERG_LandSeaMask: Static Global Land/Sea Mask for Precipitation Data

NASA GES DISC's GPM_IMERG_LandSeaMask is a static, geospatial land/sea mask originally developed by NOAA in the 1980s and regridded to a 0.1x0.1 degree resolution to support GPCP, TMPA, and IMERG precipitation products. The dataset was restructured into a CF-compliant netCDF4 file by NASA's Terrestrial Information Systems Laboratory, with Version 2 released in May 2019 to correct coastal inaccuracies. It is a foundational, non-varying mask intended specifically for use with these satellite precipitation datasets.

Use Cases

• Masking precipitation data over land or ocean based on the static geospatial classification
• Regridding or aligning other geospatial data to the standardized IMERG 0.1x0.1 degree grid
• Quality control for coastal precipitation estimates by identifying land-sea boundaries
• Providing a base map for visualizing global precipitation data products

Strengths

• Version 2 was specifically created in May 2019 to resolve detected inaccuracies in coastal regions, indicating a quality improvement.
• The dataset is structured to match the IMERG grid and is CF-compliant netCDF4, suggesting adherence to geospatial data standards.
• Its cross-platform presence on AWS Open Data and Data.gov signals recognized importance and accessibility.

Limitations

• The mask is static with no seasonal or annual variability, and the description notes it is 'due for update', limiting its use for dynamic processes.
• The provider explicitly states it is not recommended for use outside of the GPCP, TMPA, and IMERG precipitation products.
• Column details and precise row/size metrics are unavailable across all sources, indicating incomplete metadata.

Provenance

Source

Originated from the NOAA group at SSEC in the 1980s; restructured by NASA code 610.2, Terrestrial Information Systems Laboratory.

Collection Method

Originally produced at 1/6 deg resolution and later regridded to 0.1x0.1 degrees for IMERG and other precipitation products.

Time Range

Static (no temporal range); data origin in the 1980s, with a Version 2 update in May 2019.

Freshness

2026-04-10 01:52:46.821786

Geography

Global