What is the difference between the data sourced from MODIS Rapid Response and MODAPS Collection 5?
There are 3 key differences between data processed by MODIS Rapid Response (MRR) and MODIS Data Processing System (MODAPS). The first is the time taken to process the data: data from MRR are processed in near-real time (approx 2-4 hours after satellite overpass), while data from MODAPS will generally available after a two month lag. The second is the “quality assurance” of Level 1B data used to generate the fire product – data from MODAPS are quality checked, and sometimes reprocessed at a later date if some problems are found with specific granules (the reason for the 2 month lag in making the collection from MODAPS available via FIRMS is to allow for any reprocessing of granules before the fire product is generated). The third reason is that MODAPS Aqua data are processed with the definitive ephemeris downloaded from the satellite (this provides the actual location of the satellite, which in turn affects the geolocational accuracy of the MODIS granules). Aqua data processed by MRR us
