MMR Helicopter Data: Surface Reflectance for FIFE Campaign

The FIFE study area in Kansas was the site for surface reflectance measurements collected using a helicopter-borne Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR). The helicopter operated during all Intensive Field Campaigns (IFCs), covering an average of 11 FIFE sites plus one special target per 2-hour flight to support satellite overpasses. This data provides an intermediate scale of spectral sampling between ground measurements and higher-altitude aircraft or spacecraft sensors.

Use Cases

• Validating Landsat-TM satellite reflectance based on ground-truth compatible MMR measurements.
• Developing bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) models using off-nadir measurements.
• Characterizing spectral properties of specific FIFE study sites at an intermediate spatial scale.
• Providing rapid spectral characterization to support intensive field campaign (IFC) objectives.

Strengths

• Designed for compatibility with both surface-based radiometers and TM spacecraft sensors.
• Provides intermediate-scale sampling between ground and satellite/aircraft measurements.
• Includes off-nadir measurements for more accurate hemispherical reflectance estimates.

Limitations

• Column names and specific data structure are unknown from provided sources.
• Conflicting last updated dates (1989 vs. 2026) suggest potential metadata issues.
• Exact row count, file size, and granular temporal coverage are not specified.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Surface reflectance measurements collected with a helicopter-borne Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR).

Time Range

Coverage spans all FIFE Intensive Field Campaigns (IFCs).

Freshness

2026-04-10 00:32:24.670336

Geography

FIFE study area (Kansas, USA).