MODIS subsetting tools for land validation, field site characterization, ecosystem studies, and classroom education.

Suresh Kumar Santhana Vannan, ORNL, santhanavans@ornl.gov (Presenter)
Robert B. Cook, Environmental Sciences Division, ORNL, cookrb@ornl.gov

The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor data are useful in land validation, understanding biogeochemical and ecological processes, and providing environmental data to support citizen science efforts. However, MODIS data volume and the complexity in data format makes MODIS data less usable in some cases.

To solve this usability issue, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) has developed a system that prepares and distributes subsets of selected MODIS land products in a scale and format useful for field researchers. Web and Web-service tools provide MODIS subsets in Comma Separated Values (CSV) text file format and in GIS compatible GeoTIFF format. Using these tools users can (1) obtain subsets for a set of pre-defined locations, (2) order MODIS subsets for any land location, or (3) automate the process of subset extraction using a Web-service. The MODIS subsetting tools and services can be extended to support the data products generated by the various decadal survey missions.

The MODIS subsets are provided for more than 1,000 sites across the globe. Most of the flux tower sites are included in the site list. The subsets are offered in CSV file format and in GIS compatible GeoTIFF format. Time series plots and grid visualizations to help characterize field sites are also provided. http://daac.ornl.gov/modisfixedsite

In addition to offering subsets for fixed sites, the ORNL DAAC also offers the capability to create user-defined subsets for any land location. The MODIS Global tool provides subsets from a single pixel up to 201 x 201 km for user-defined time range. Statistics, time-series plots, stacked time-series plots for inter-annual comparison and GIS compatible files are also distributed through this tool. Users place an order for a MODIS subset online and an email is generated when the subset is created. http://daac.ornl.gov/modisglobal

For users interested in obtaining MODIS subsets programmatically, ORNL DAAC has created SOAP based Web-Service. The Web Service can be accessed using various programming languages such as Perl, R, C and JAVA and from analytical/statistical tools such as Matlab and workflow tools such as Kepler. http://daac.ornl.gov/modiswebservice

The next generation ORNL DAAC MODIS subsetting and visualization tool supports 1001 x 1001 km subsets, and daily MODIS products. Site list for MODIS fixed sites tool are also being updated and more fixed sites will be offered in the future. Please check the ORNL DAAC MODIS page at http://daac.ornl.gov/MODIS for more information.

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Science in Support of Decision Making   (Wed 10:00 AM)

Associated Project(s): 

• Related Activity

Poster Location ID: 233