Latest results of the development and evaluation of the Suomi NPP VIIRS active fire products

Active fire observations from the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite have shown great potential for continuing high quality space-borne monitoring of biomass burning. The performance of the 750-m NOAA operational product generated within the SNPP Interface Data Processing Segment (IDPS) has been evaluated. This work focuses on both the dependence on the quality of the input VIIRS Sensor Data Record (SDR) data, and on comparisons with near-coincident Aqua MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and high resolution airborne observations. Incremental processing improvements have resulted in the reduction of spurious detections and an increasing stability and maturity of the product. To meet user needs and JPSS program requirements, an improved product was also developed, evaluated, and implemented within NASA's Land Product Evaluation and Analysis Tools Element (Land PEATE). The improved product is compatible in algorithm, data content and data format with the Collection 6 MODIS Fire and Thermal Anomalies product, including the calculation of Fire Radiative Power (FRP) and the production of a spatially explicit fire mask. A higher resolution, experimental 375-m product has also been developed and evaluated. Key domestic user evaluation and outreach activities include close interactions with the US operational fire management community via proving ground and applied science activities that address the potential of VIIRS fire observations to support on-site operations and decision making. The international user community is engaged through the use of direct broadcast packages that include the IDPS and replacement algorithms and through coordination by the Global Observation of Forest and Land Cover Dynamics (GOFC-GOLD) Fire Implementation Team.