VIIRS
5 articlesA Field Guide to Free Satellite Data Sources: Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, VIIRS, and NASA FIRMS
Four open satellite data sources cover most monitoring needs — but each one sees the world differently. This guide explains what Sentinel-1 SAR, Sentinel-2 optical, VIIRS nighttime lights, and NASA FIRMS active fire each measure, and how to pick the right one.
2026-06-19 · 5 min read
Monitoring Economic Activity and Infrastructure with VIIRS Nighttime Light Time Series
VIIRS nighttime light (DNB) time series from NASA Black Marble tracks economic activity, electrification, conflict impacts, and post-disaster recovery. Learn how to monitor any area's nighttime brightness over time and interpret what changes mean.
2026-03-30 · 8 min read
How to Monitor Any Area with Satellite Time Series: A Complete Guide
Area monitoring with satellite time series lets you automatically track changes in any region over weeks, months, or years. Learn how to set up a monitoring zone, choose the right index, and interpret results using Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and VIIRS data.
2026-03-19 · 11 min read
Active Fire Monitoring with NASA FIRMS: Real-Time Hotspot Detection from Space
NASA FIRMS provides near real-time fire hotspot data from VIIRS and MODIS satellites. Learn how active fire monitoring works, what the data shows, and how to use it in Off-Nadir Delta for wildfire tracking and disaster response.
2026-02-10 · 7 min read
What Nighttime Lights Tell Us About Cities (And What They Don't)
VIIRS nighttime radiance data is a powerful proxy for human activity, but it has real limitations. This post covers practical applications, common pitfalls, and how to extract meaningful insights from nocturnal satellite observations.
2026-01-08 · 6 min read