NOAA-21 VIIRS Global Binned Remote Sensing Reflectance Data

Remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) measurements from the NOAA-21 VIIRS satellite sensor, binned globally. The data is the foundational observable for retrieving ocean color products like chlorophyll-a concentration (chlor_a) and diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd_490). It is provided by the OB_CLOUD organization.

Use Cases

• Retrieving chlorophyll-a concentration (chlor_a) from Rrs_443 and Rrs_555 band measurements.
• Estimating water clarity and light penetration (Kd_490) using reflectance values across multiple spectral bands.
• Developing and validating new Inherent Optical Property (IOP) algorithms based on Rrs_λ values at specific wavelengths (e.g., Rrs_412, Rrs_667).
• Assessing coastal water quality by analyzing Rrs time-series data in optically complex regions.
• Flagging and filtering data using per-file quality flags for land, cloud, sun glint, and high aerosol conditions.

Strengths

• Provides the foundational remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) observable for ocean color science.
• Includes per-file quality flags for common data contamination sources (land, cloud, sun glint, high aerosol).
• Designed for algorithm development, validation, and water-quality applications.

Limitations

• Specific data volume (row count), spatial resolution, and temporal coverage are unknown.
• Documentation advises careful review of quality flags, especially for optically complex coastal and inland waters where accuracy may be reduced.
• The version (2025.0) suggests it is a processed product, but the exact processing level and potential associated uncertainties are not detailed.

Provenance

Source

NOAA-21 VIIRS satellite sensor, processed and provided by OB_CLOUD via NASA Earthdata.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing, with data binned to a global Level-3 product.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Global coverage.