VJ114: VIIRS Thermal Anomalies and Fire Detection Swaths

VIIRS Thermal Anomalies V2 data provides 750-meter resolution fire detection in 6-minute swaths from the NOAA-20 satellite. Its 31 science dataset layers include a primary fire mask and brightness temperatures from six VIIRS channels to analyze atmospheric conditions and fuel type. Each data swath covers an area of approximately 3,060 by 3,060 kilometers, designed for continuity with the MODIS fire product legacy.

Use Cases

• Mapping active wildfire perimeters and intensity based on the fire mask and brightness temperature layers.
• Monitoring volcanic thermal activity as a type of thermal anomaly identified by the primary detection algorithm.
• Analyzing atmospheric conditions for fire events using layers for reflectance, solar zenith angle, and aerosol flags.
• Generating higher-level, aggregated fire data products from the foundational swath-level detections.

Strengths

• Provides high spatial resolution of 750 meters for detailed thermal event mapping.
• Includes 31 science dataset variables for multi-factor fire and anomaly analysis.
• Offers high temporal granularity with data captured in 6-minute satellite swaths.
• Maintains continuity with established MODIS fire products, supporting long-term time-series studies.

Limitations

• Accurate geolocation requires a separate, mandatory companion dataset (VJ103MODLL), adding complexity.
• Metadata for row count, file size, and specific column names is unavailable across all sources.
• Has known issues requiring users to consult external quality assessment websites and user guides.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Collected by the VIIRS sensor on the NOAA-20 satellite.

Freshness

Last updated metadata indicates 2026-04-09, though this may be a placeholder future date.

Geography

Global coverage, with each swath approximately 3,060 km x 3,060 km.