Overview
GridSat-B1 is one of NOAA’s first operational Climate Data Records (CDRs), providing a long-term, consistent record of global infrared brightness temperature observations from geostationary satellites. Developed to support critical climate monitoring and research applications, GridSat has established a reputation as a foundational dataset for understanding long-term climate trends and variability.
As a pioneering climate data record, GridSat merges observations from multiple geostationary satellites spanning several decades, creating a seamless, calibrated dataset that enables researchers and decision-makers to analyze climate patterns and changes over time.
Current Status
GridSat is currently being modernized to incorporate next-generation satellite platforms (including GOES-16 through GOES-19) and updated calibration methodologies using VIIRS-based approaches. The goal is seamless extension of this foundational climate record with improved accuracy and operational sustainability.
Last updated: February 2026
Data access
- Preliminary data (usually 15-day latency) - preliminary data does not have the final calibration
- Operational (Final) GridSat B1 CDR data (usually 1-6 month latency)
- Data for 1980-present are available by HTTPS download
- NOAA Open Data Dissemination (NODD) - AWS
- Description: Gridsat B1
- Resource type:
S3 Bucket - Amazon Resource Name (ARN):
arn:aws:s3:::noaa-cdr-gridsat-b1-pds - AWS Region: us-east-1
- AWS CLI Access (No AWS account required):
aws s3 ls --no-sign-request s3://noaa-cdr-gridsat-b1-pds/ - Explore: Browse Bucket
Presentations and papers
Data Description
GridSat-B1 integrates infrared brightness temperature observations from the global constellation of geostationary weather satellites, including:
- Temporal extent: Multiple generations of various geostationary platforms: Meteosats 2 - 11, GOES 4 - 19, and Himawari 1-8. This data spans decades of data but provide a temporally consistent record.
- International Partners: Data from JMA, EUMETSAT and other international geostationary satellite operators
- Global Coverage: Near-continuous observations from the full geostationary satellite constellation
The dataset employs sophisticated calibration methodologies to ensure consistency across different satellite platforms and generations:
- Inter-satellite Calibration: Advanced procedures using reference datasets including HIRS and VIIRS Global Area Coverage (VGAC) data
- Matchup Algorithms: Matching ISCCP B1 with HIRS and VIIRS for next-generation calibration
- Quality Assurance: Comprehensive validation frameworks maintaining data integrity and climate record consistency
- Long-term Continuity: Careful assessment procedures to ensure seamless extension of the climate record across satellite transitions
Applications
GridSat-B1 serves diverse scientific and operational applications:
- Humanitarian Response: Critical data source for USAID drought monitoring and early warning systems
- Climate Research: Foundational dataset for studying long-term climate trends, variability, and change
- Weather Pattern Analysis: Supporting research on tropical systems, convection, and large-scale atmospheric circulation
- Historical Climate Studies: Enabling analysis of multi-decadal climate patterns and trends
- Operational Monitoring: Providing consistent observations for ongoing climate assessment and reporting
The established quality and long temporal extent make GridSat particularly valuable for applications requiring reliable historical climate information.
Technical Details
GridSat-B1 employs robust methodologies designed to meet NOAA Climate Data Record standards:
- Processing Framework: Operational algorithms following NOAA CDR Program requirements and documentation standards
- Calibration Approach: Evolving methodologies incorporating advanced reference datasets for improved accuracy
- Validation Procedures: Comprehensive comparison with historical records and reference datasets to ensure climate continuity
- Quality Control: Multi-level quality assurance procedures maintaining GridSat’s established reputation
- Modernization: Ongoing upgrades to integrate next-generation satellite capabilities while preserving data record integrity
- Automation: Sustainable operational processing designed for long-term climate data stewardship
The technical implementation emphasizes maintaining scientific integrity while ensuring operational continuity, leveraging decades of experience in satellite climate data production to deliver a reliable, trusted climate data record.