How to import and geolocate SMAP Level-1C and Level-2 data in ENVI

The following are instructions on how to import and geolocate SMAP Level-1C HDF5 data in ENVI.

Testing notes

Software: ENVI

Software version: 5.3 and above. If using version 5.3, service pack 5.3.1 is needed. 

Platform: Windows 7

Data set: SMAP L1C Radiometer Half-Orbit 36 km EASE-Grid Brightness Temperatures (SPL1CTB)

Data set version: 2

Date tested: 12/14/15

Note: These instructions apply to the SPL1CTB data in the global EASE-Grid 2.0 projection, but only need slight modifications to apply to the SMAP Level-2 data sets (SPL2SMA, SPL2SMP, SPL2SMAP).

1. Obtain data.

• Download the SMAP Level-1C Brightness Temperature HDF5 file of interest to you (e.g., SMAP_L1C_TB_04586_A_20151211T024445_R12170_001.h5).

2. Open SMAP data in ENVI.

• Start ENVI and select File > Open…
  Select the SMAP data file (e.g., SMAP_L1C_TB_04586_A_20151211T024445_R12170_001.h5).
• In the Dataset Browser, select the dataset(s) that you would like to display (e.g., Global_Projection/cell_tb_v_aft). Add these to the Raster Builder using the arrow icon. Note that you may want to add a new raster for each SMAP dataset that you select.
• Add a new raster and select and add the appropriate latitude and longitude datasets (e.g., Global_Projection/cell_lat and /cell_lon) to the same raster. It is helpful to rename the bands appropriately (e.g., ‘lat’ and ‘lon’).
• Select Open Rasters.

3. Build a Geographic Lookup Table (or, GLT).

• In the Toolbox, select Geometric Correction > Build GLT.
• In the Input X Geometry Band dialog box, select the longitude band that you added in the previous step.
• Click OK.

• In the Input Y Geometry Band dialog box, select the latitude band.
• Click OK.
• In the Geometry Projection Information dialog box, select the following parameters:

Input Projection of Geometry Bands: Geographic Lat/Lon

Datum: WGS-84

Units: Degrees

Output Projection for Georeferencing: Geographic Lat/Lon

Datum: WGS-84

Units: Degrees

• Click OK.
• In the Build Geometry Lookup File Parameters dialog box:

Change the Output Rotation to 0.

Select Choose (for Enter Output GLT Filename) and provide a location and name for the output GLT file.

• Click OK.

4. Georeference the SMAP data from the GLT.

• In the Toolbox, select Geometric Correction > Georeference from GLT.
• In the Input Geometry Lookup File dialog box, select the GLT file you just built.

• Click OK.
• In the Input Data File dialog box, select the SMAP data file of interest to you. Note that although the latitude/longitude raster will be displayed with the same file name, it can be distinguished by its 18602 x 1 x 2 dimensions (i.e., ‘Dims’ in the ‘File Information’ box).

• Click OK.
• In the Georeference from GLT Parameters dialog box, select Choose (for Enter Output Filename) and provide a location and name for the output data file.

• Click OK.

And, now you have a geolocated raster!

Last Updated March 2018