We are in the process of migrating all NASA Earth science data sites into Earthdata from now until end of 2026. Not all NASA Earth science data and resources will appear here until then. Thank you for your patience as we make this transition.
Read about the Web Unification Project
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).
Land Surface Temperature Datasets
| Dataset | Platforms | Instruments | Temporal Extent | Location Keywords | Spatial Extent | Data Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE-590 Reflectance & Radiances (FIFE) | HELICOPTER | SPECTRORADIOMETERS | 1989-07-28 to 1989-08-08 | N: 39.12 S: 38.98 E: -96.45 W: -96.61 | multiple | |
| SHIFT: HyTES L2 Geolocated Land Surface Temperature and Emissivity, March 23 2022 | NOAA Twin Otter | HyTES | 2022-03-23 to 2022-03-23 | CALIFORNIA | N: 34.8859 S: 34.18 E: -118.784 W: -120.603 | multiple |
| SMAPVEX08 PALS Brightness Temperature Data V001 | AIRCRAFT | PALS | 2008-09-29 to 2008-10-13 | MARYLAND | N: 39.09 S: 38.93 E: -75.55 W: -76.25 | ASCII |
| SMAPVEX12 PALS Brightness Temperature Data V001 | AIRCRAFT | PALS | 2012-06-07 to 2012-07-19 | CANADA | N: 49.96 S: 49.44 E: -97.85 W: -98.51 | ASCII |
| SMAPVEX15 PALS Brightness Temperature Data V001 | AIRCRAFT | PALS | 2015-08-02 to 2015-08-18 | ARIZONA | N: 31.87 S: 31.51 E: -109.84 W: -110.96 | CSV |
| SMAPVEX16 Manitoba Probe-Based In Situ Soil Moisture Data V001 | FIELD SURVEYS, GROUND-BASED OBSERVATIONS | INFRARED RADIOMETERS, DIELECTRIC PROBE, SOIL TEMPERATURE PROBE | 2016-06-08 to 2016-07-22 | MANITOBA | N: 49.761171 S: 49.384076 E: -97.756264 W: -98.098417 | CSV, KMZ |
| Surface Radiance Data: UNL (FIFE) | FIELD INVESTIGATION | LICOR QUANTUM SENSOR, PYRANOMETERS, PLANT STRESS MONITOR, NET RADIOMETERS, INFRARED THERMOMETERS | 1987-05-30 to 1989-08-11 | N: 39.12 S: 38.98 E: -96.47 W: -96.59 | multiple | |
| TOVS GLA 5 DAY GRIDS from NOAA-10 V01 (TOVSA5NG) at GES DISC | NOAA-12 | TOVS, MSU, HIRS/2 | 1986-11-26 to 1991-08-29 | GLOBAL | N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 | |
| TOVS GLA 5 DAY GRIDS from NOAA-11 V01 (TOVSA5NH) at GES DISC | NOAA-11 | HIRS/2, MSU, TOVS | 1988-10-12 to 1994-06-30 | GLOBAL | N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 | |
| TOVS GLA 5 DAY GRIDS from NOAA-12 V01 (TOVSA5ND) at GES DISC | NOAA-12 | TOVS, MSU, HIRS/2 | 1991-07-04 to 1994-06-30 | GLOBAL | N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180 |
SHOWING 10 OF 314
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earthdata Forum
Our online forum provides a space for users to browse thousands of FAQs about research needs, data, and data applications. You can also submit new questions for our experts to answer.
Submit Questions to Earthdata Forumand View Expert Responses