NOAA-20 VIIRS: Global Mapped Vegetation Index Near Real-time Data

NOAA-20 VIIRS Level-3 Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data provides a global, mapped snapshot of vegetation health. The Ocean Biology DAAC at NASA produces these near real-time (NRT) 'quicklook' products using the best-available ancillary data from meteorological and ozone sources during a short time period within a single orbit. The dataset version is R2022.0 and was last updated on March 12, 2026.

Use Cases

• Monitor near real-time vegetation health and stress based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).
• Analyze short-term changes in the biosphere using the 'quicklook' snapshot data from a single orbit.
• Model environmental conditions by integrating the satellite data with the meteorological and ozone inputs mentioned in the description.

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time (NRT), providing timely snapshots.
• Managed by NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC, an authoritative source for Earth science data.
• Global spatial coverage, offering a worldwide perspective on vegetation.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• The 'quicklook' products use less-than-optimal inputs and calibration, as stated in the description.
• Row count and specific data volume are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Ocean Biology DAAC.

Collection Method

Satellite data from the NOAA-20 VIIRS sensor, processed into Level-3 global mapped NDVI products.

Time Range

Near real-time (NRT) snapshots from a short time period within a single orbit.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:14:39.691580; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global.