VNP14: VIIRS Fire and Thermal Anomaly Swath Data at 750m

Global satellite data from the Suomi NPP satellite's VIIRS sensor detects active fires and thermal anomalies at a 750-meter resolution. Each data swath covers approximately 3,060 by 3,060 kilometers and is produced in 6-minute increments, containing 31 science dataset layers for analysis. The product is designed to continue the MODIS fire monitoring legacy, providing brightness temperature readings across multiple spectral channels.

Use Cases

• Mapping active wildfire locations and intensity based on the fire mask layer.
• Monitoring volcanic thermal activity using the thermal anomaly detection capabilities.
• Analyzing atmospheric conditions for fire events using layers for reflectance and solar zenith angle.
• Supporting higher-level fire data product generation as an input dataset.

Strengths

• Provides high-resolution (750m) thermal data, offering more detail than many predecessor products.
• Contains 31 science dataset layers for a multi-faceted analysis of fire events.
• Designed for continuity with the established MODIS fire product series.

Limitations

• The dataset (Version 1) was officially decommissioned on April 8, 2025, and users are directed to use Version 2.
• Accurate geolocation requires a separate, ancillary data product (VNP03MODLL), adding complexity.
• Key metadata such as row count, file size, and specific columns are not provided in the available sources.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing, processed into 6-minute swath granules.

Time Range

Coverage spans the operational lifetime of the VIIRS Version 1 product until its decommissioning.

Freshness

2026-04-09 20:55:33.730708

Geography

Global coverage from a polar-orbiting satellite.