How to Download Functional ASTER SWIR & VNIR Data (Crucial Date Filter Tips).
In this tutorial, we dive into the process of downloading ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) satellite imagery from the NASA Earthdata portal.
A common issue many GIS analysts face is downloading ASTER data only to find that the SWIR (Short Wave Infrared) bands are blank or distorted. We explain the technical reason behind this—the 2008 cooling system failure—and show you exactly which date filters to apply to ensure you get fully functional, 14-band imagery for your projects.
The difference between VNIR, SWIR, and TIR sensors in ASTER.
Why SWIR data is "dead" in images acquired after April 2008.
Step-by-step filtering in NASA Earthdata Search for AST_L1T and AST_L1B products.
Tips for mineral mapping and lithological studies using historical ASTER data.
