****VIIRS to HDF-EOS Conversion Guide****
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The programs contained in this .zip file are designed to convert VIIRS Aerosol 
data into MODIS-like EOS-HDF format. 


IDL PROGRAM FILE LISTING
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The following files are included in this package and are necessary for tool 
operation.
1) viirs_ip_convert.pro - this file converts IP AOT
2) viirs_edr_convert.pro - this file converts EDR AOT
3) viirs_to_mod_convert.h - a header file containing various variables and 
constants used by the tools.


INPUT FILE INSTRUCTION
-----------------------
Examples of input and output datasets are also provided on the STAR software 
page for convenience. Input datasets will have a '.h5' extension while the 
output data will have a '.hdf' extension.

***Please note however that matching AOT and geolocation files are required 
should you choose to obtain your own data to convert.

IP AOT files begin with Data Product ID 'IVAOT' and require a geolocation file 
beginning with 'GMTCO' that have a matching date, time and orbit number.

EDR AOT files begin with Data Product ID 'VAOOO' and require a matching 
geolocation file starting with 'GAERO'. Aggregated/packaged  EDR files 
available through NOAA-CLASS do not require separate geolocation files as this 
information will already be included. These files will begin with the combined 
Product ID of 'GAERO-VAOOO'.


OTHER NOTES
------------
Unlike MODIS L2 Aerosol product, the VIIRS Quality Assurance and Cloud Mask 
information are included in sets of quality flag variables. VIIRS IP Aerosol 
contains 5 quality flag outputs and the EDR Aerosol has 3 associated quality 
flag outputs.

In general it is recommended that only the highest quality be used for both the 
IP and EDR Aerosol Optical Thickness. For more information regarding the 
contents and use of the quality flags, one should consult the VIIRS Aerosol 
Products User's Guide available on the STAR/SMCD/VIIRS Aerosol Calibration and 
Validation documents webpage.
