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Land Surface Temperature Data Access and Tools
NASA has land surface temperature datasets that help researchers explore how the warmth of land contribute to and change Earth processes as well as how animals and humans live on the planet. Access a range of data and data tools such as AppEEARS, the MODIS/VIIRS Subsetting Tool Suite, and LandsatLook to make the most of land surface temperature data.
Many NASA observation methods—platforms, instruments, and other techniques—provide data that improve our measurement of land surface temperature. Examples of instruments continually collecting temperature data include the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS).
Featured Land Surface Temperature Observation Method: ASTER
The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) obtains high-resolution images of Earth in 14 different electromagnetic wavelengths ranging from visible to thermal infrared light. ASTER flies aboard the Terra satellite and has a resolution as close as 15 meters in the very near infrared wavelength. Scientists use ASTER data to create detailed maps of land surface temperature, emissivity, reflectance, and elevation.
As of 1 April 2016, all Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data products are available at no charge from LP DAAC.
These products are available globally at their full resolution of 30 meters per pixel.
Version 3 of the ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) provides new features and sharper imagery.
Land Surface Temperature Datasets
| Dataset | Platforms | Instruments | Temporal Extent | Location Keywords | Spatial Extent | Data Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIIRS/NPP Thermal Anomalies/Fire 6-Min L2 Swath 750m NRT - V2 | Suomi-NPP | VIIRS | 2024-03-05 to Present | GLOBAL | N: 80 S: -80 E: 180 W: -180 | netCDF4 |
| VIIRS/NPP Thermal Anomalies/Fire 6-Min L2 Swath 750m V001 | Suomi-NPP | VIIRS | 2012-01-19 to 2024-06-17 | GLOBAL | N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 | HDF-EOS5 |
| VIIRS/NPP Thermal Anomalies/Fire 6-Min L2 Swath 750m V002 | Suomi-NPP | VIIRS | 2012-01-17 to Present | GLOBAL | N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 | netCDF-4 |
| Yale Center for Earth Observation (YCEO) Surface Urban Heat Islands, Version 4, 2003-2018 | MODELS | Computer | 2003-01-01 to 2018-12-31 | GLOBAL | N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 | GeoTIFF, Shapefile |
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