FIFE: Synthetic Soil Reflectance Spectra

The FIFE study area in Kansas is the target region for this dataset. It contains synthetic soil reflectance spectra selected from an atlas of soil properties to represent soils similar to those in the FIFE experiment. Spectral readings were taken in 0.01 micrometer increments over the 0.52 to 2.32 micrometer wavelength range from uniformly moist, sieved soils.

Use Cases

• Calibrating remote sensing models based on soil reflectance properties.
• Studying landscape reflectance characteristics using detailed spectral data.
• Comparing soil types by particle size, organic carbon content, and taxonomy.
• Validating satellite or airborne sensor data against ground-representative spectra.

Strengths

• Spectral data has high resolution, with readings taken in 0.01 micrometer increments.
• Data selection was based on multiple specific soil properties: particle size, organic carbon content, taxonomic classification, and geography.
• Cross-platform presence on datagov and nasa_earthdata signals its importance and curation.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: column names, row counts, and exact file sizes are unknown.
• There is a conflict in the 'last updated' date: one source shows 2026-04-09, while the authoritative source shows 1989-10-31.
• The data is synthetic, derived from an atlas, not directly measured in the FIFE field experiment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Spectra selected from the atlas of soil reflectance properties (Stoner et al., 1980). Measurements made using an Exotech Model 20 C spectroradiometer with a reflectometer.

Freshness

1989-10-31 23:59:59.999000

Geography

Soils similar to those found in the FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) study area.