Providing pre-Launch VIIRS, CrIS, and ATMS Proxy Datasets to facilitate NPP Validation Activities

In order to facilitate preparation for the upcoming launch of the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP), the NPOESS Integrated Program Office has developed a set of software tools for the generation of proxy Sensor Data Records for the VIIRS, CrIS, and ATMS instruments. Proxy data files are produced in HDF5 and conform to the standards described in the NPOESS IDPS Data Format Control Book. Source code is available via SubVersion repository on the NOAA CasaNOSA website, and the IPO is routinely producing and making available a “live” data stream for each sensor on the Government Resource for Algorithm Verification, Independent Testing, and Evaluation (GRAVITE) Cal/Val support facility at the NOAA/NSOF in Suitland, MD. This presentation will describe the algorithmic basis for the proxy conversions, and discuss the range of applications for which the data may be used effectively.