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
Reflectance Data Access and Tools
From discovery to visualization, data tools such as Worldview, Earthdata Search, and Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) guide users in making the most of reflectance data.
Featured Reflectance Observation Method: MODIS
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is a key instrument aboard the Terra and Aqua platforms. Terra and Aqua survey Earth's surface every one to two days, acquiring data in 36 spectral bands. The MODIS surface reflectance products provide an estimate of the surface spectral reflectance as it would be measured at ground level in the absence of atmospheric scattering or absorption.
Join us to learn how to discover, subset, access and visualize both MODIS and VIIRS data products using a suite of user-friendly tools developed by NASA's ORNL DAAC.
Scientists develop routine service for wildfire detection in the continental United States with a latency of less than 60 seconds.
6 MIN READ
The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) will help ensure continuity of Earth observations after the upcoming retirement of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS).
Our experts break down the similarities and differences of Earth observation sensors operated by NASA.
Reflectance Datasets
| Dataset | Platforms | Instruments | Temporal Extent | Location Keywords | Spatial Extent | Data Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOREAS TE-18 Geosail Canopy Reflectance Model | NOT APPLICABLE | NOT APPLICABLE | 1993-01-01 to 1996-12-31 | N: 62 S: 48 E: -92 W: -111 | ASCII | |
| CMS: Landsat-derived Annual Land Cover Maps for the Colombian Amazon, 2001-2016 | LANDSAT-5, LANDSAT-7, LANDSAT-8, MODELS | TM, ETM+, OLI, Computer | 2001-01-01 to 2016-12-31 | COLOMBIA | N: 5.37713 S: -3.88273 E: -65.954 W: -78.0306 | GeoTIFF |
| CMS: Vegetative Lifeform Cover from Landsat SR for CONUS, 1984-2018 | MODELS, LANDSAT-5, G-LiHT, LANDSAT-7 | Computer, TM, LIDAR, ETM+ | 1984-01-01 to 2018-12-31 | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | N: 50.6625 S: 23.2663 E: -65.0638 W: -126.714 | GeoTIFF |
| Delta-X: AVIRIS-NG BRDF-Adjusted Surface Reflectance and Mosaics, MRD, LA, 2021, V3 | B-200 | AVIRIS-NG | 2021-03-27 to 2021-09-25 | LOUISIANA | N: 30.2264 S: 29.0544 E: -89.0719 W: -91.5908 | ENVI |
| Delta-X: AVIRIS-NG L2 Surface Reflectance, MRD Louisiana, 2021 | B-200 | AVIRIS-NG | 2021-03-27 to 2021-09-25 | LOUISIANA | N: 29.85 S: 29.0248 E: -89.5899 W: -91.6389 | ENVI |
| Delta-X: In Situ Water Surface Reflectance across MRD, LA, USA, 2021, V3 | FIELD SURVEYS | PSR | 2021-03-25 to 2021-09-24 | LOUISIANA | N: 29.7545 S: 28.7913 E: -90.5697 W: -91.4676 | CSV |
| FIFE CDROM Vol. 3 Contents: NS001 Thematic Mapper Simulator (TMS) Imagery, 1987-1989 | C-130 | TMS | 1987-06-04 to 1989-08-11 | N: 39.0833 S: 39.0833 E: -96.5833 W: -96.5833 | multiple | |
| Forest Aboveground Biomass for the Southwestern U.S. from MISR, 2000-2021 | Terra | MISR | 2000-05-15 to 2021-06-30 | CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, UTAH | N: 46.2812 S: 28.599 E: -99.0185 W: -126.18 | GeoTIFF |
| G-LiHT Hyperspectral Ancillary V001 | G-LiHT | Headwall, Riegl Airborne Lidar | 2011-06-30 to Present | PUERTO RICO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, MEXICO | N: 73 S: 10 E: -50 W: -170 | GeoTIFF |
| G-LiHT Hyperspectral Reflectance V001 | G-LiHT | Headwall, Riegl Airborne Lidar | 2011-06-30 to Present | PUERTO RICO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, MEXICO | N: 73 S: 10 E: -50 W: -170 | GeoTIFF |
SHOWING 10 OF 680
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