VIIRS/NPP Active Fires: 375m Swath Data

VIIRS/NPP Active Fires 6-Min L2 Swath 375m V002 is a satellite-derived geospatial product detecting thermal anomalies. It provides 6-minute swath data at 375-meter resolution from the Suomi NPP satellite, designed for continuity with MODIS fire products. The dataset includes 25-26 science variables analyzing atmospheric conditions and fuel type to identify fire location and intensity.

Use Cases

• Mapping fire perimeters and intensity based on the 375-meter resolution fire mask layer.
• Monitoring volcanic activity and other thermal anomalies using the primary fire detection variable.
• Analyzing atmospheric conditions for fire detection using variables like radiance and brightness temperature.
• Supporting higher-level fire data product generation as a foundational Level 2 input.

Strengths

• Provides high-resolution fire detection at 375 meters, enabling response to smaller fires.
• Includes 25-26 science dataset layers for analyzing key fire detection factors.
• Designed for continuity with the established MODIS Thermal Anomalies and Fire products.

Limitations

• Column names and precise data structure are not specified in the provided metadata.
• Accurate geolocation requires a separate data product (VNP03MODLL), adding complexity.
• One source lists 26 science dataset layers while another lists 25, indicating a minor metadata conflict.

Provenance

Source

NASA/NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) satellite, VIIRS sensor.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing, processed into Level 2 swath data.

Freshness

Last updated on 2026-04-09 according to nasa_earthdata and datagov.

Geography

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