VIIRS/NPP Thermal Anomalies: Fire and Volcano Detection at 750m

6-minute temporal increments from the Suomi NPP satellite provide swath data at 750-meter resolution. The dataset includes 31 science dataset layers designed for continuity with MODIS fire products, enabling analysis of fire location and intensity. Key layers include a fire mask for identifying fires and volcanoes, plus brightness temperature data from multiple VIIRS channels.

Use Cases

• Mapping active fire perimeters and intensity based on the fire mask and brightness temperature layers.
• Detecting volcanic thermal activity using the primary fire mask layer designed for thermal anomalies.
• Analyzing atmospheric conditions for fire events using layers for reflectance, solar zenith angle, and aerosol flags.
• Supporting the generation of higher-level, aggregated fire data products as noted in the product description.

Strengths

• Contains 31 distinct science dataset layers for detailed fire factor analysis.
• Provides high-resolution data at 750 meters with a swath coverage of approximately 3,060 by 3,060 kilometers.
• Designed for mission continuity with established MODIS Thermal Anomalies products, supporting long-term study.

Limitations

• Critical metadata is missing or conflicting: row count, size, and specific license details are unavailable or listed as 'None' across platforms.
• Accurate geolocation requires a separate, mandatory data product (VNP03MODLL), adding complexity for users.
• Documentation references known issues but directs users to an external website for complete details.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS).

Time Range

Covers the entire Suomi NPP mission, with version 2 including improved calibration for the full mission.

Freshness

2026-04 09

Geography

Global coverage via satellite swaths.