SMAPVEX12: In Situ Soil Moisture Data for Agricultural Sites

SMAPVEX12 data contains ground-based soil moisture measurements from several agricultural sites. The dataset was collected as part of the Soil Moisture Active Passive Validation Experiment in 2012. It provides in situ reference data likely used for calibrating and validating satellite-based soil moisture observations.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-derived soil moisture products based on in situ measurements.
• Analyzing soil moisture variability across different agricultural sites.
• Calibrating hydrological or agricultural models using field-collected soil data.
• Studying the relationship between ground measurements and remote sensing observations for the SMAP mission.

Strengths

• Data originates from a controlled NASA validation experiment (SMAPVEX12).
• Dataset is hosted on multiple platforms (Data.gov and NASA Earthdata), indicating established use.

Limitations

• Column names and data structure are not described in any source.
• Conflicting 'last updated' metadata: Data.gov shows 2026 (likely an error), while NASA Earthdata shows 2012.
• Key metadata like row count, file size, and specific license are unavailable.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

In situ data collection as part of the SMAPVEX12 field campaign.

Time Range

2012

Freshness

Last updated metadata conflicts: 2026-03-13 (Data.gov) vs. 2012-07-19 (NASA Earthdata). The 2012 date is likely correct for the data collection.

Geography

Several agricultural sites (specific locations not provided).