Suomi NPP VIIRS Cloud Mask Data with 750-Meter Resolution

Data from the Suomi NPP satellite's VIIRS instrument provides a Level-2 cloud mask product with a 750-meter spatial resolution. This dataset is derived from the MODIS-VIIRS cloud mask (MVCM) continuity algorithm, designed to sustain long-term records from MODIS and VIIRS satellite heritages. It is produced by the ASIPS organization and is available on multiple platforms, with metadata indicating a last update in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Analyzing global cloud cover distribution using the 750-meter resolution cloud mask.
• Validating and improving climate models with satellite-derived cloud detection data.
• Studying temporal trends in atmospheric conditions using the time-series of cloud observations.
• Supporting operational weather forecasting with near-real-time (NRT) cloud information.

Strengths

• Provides continuity with long-term MODIS cloud records via the MVCM algorithm.
• Offers a nominal spatial resolution of 750 meters for detailed cloud analysis.
• Its presence on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA Earthdata, Data.gov) indicates established importance and accessibility.

Limitations

• Specific column names, dataset size, and exact row counts are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on license information, with one specifying 'other-license-specified' and another listing 'None'.
• The exact temporal coverage (start date) of the data record is not specified.

Provenance

Source

ASIPS (Algorithm and Software Infrastructure for Processing Systems), using data from the Suomi NPP satellite's VIIRS instrument.

Collection Method

Derived from calibration-adjusted NASA VIIRS L1B data using the MODIS-VIIRS cloud mask (MVCM) continuity algorithm.

Time Range

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Freshness

2026-03-12 20:27:32.783502

Geography

Global coverage from the Suomi NPP polar-orbiting satellite.