This dataset provides monthly maximum Land Surface Temperature (LST) values over Europe, derived from 1-km AVHRR observations. The data is generated by DLR and provided in the framework of the TIMELINE project.

LST values are retrieved using physically-based split- and mono-window algorithms and corrected for atmospheric influences and surface emissivity. Only cloud-free observations with sensor view angles below 50 degrees are used. Due to reliance on infrared observations, data may be limited under persistent cloud cover. To ensure temporal consistency across sensors and overpass times, an orbit drift correction method was applied. This method harmonizes LST values to a fixed reference time of 13:00 local solar time, approximating the daily maximum temperature.

The dataset is gridded in a 1-km LAEA ETRS89 projection. The product is provided in four tiles, covering the extent of the European Environmental Agency (EEA) reference grid, which includes the area from 900 000 m East and 900 000m North to 7 400 000m East and 5 500 000m North.

The TIMELINE (TIMe Series Processing of Medium Resolution Earth Observation Data assessing Long-Term Dynamics In our Natural Environment) project, led by the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), focuses on generating a consistent, multi-decadal time series derived from NOAA and Metop AVHRR data. Spanning more than 40 years from the early 1980s to the present this dataset covers Europe and North Africa.

TIMELINE establishes an operational environment for the systematic reprocessing of AVHRR raw data into Level 1b, Level 2, and Level 3 geoinformation products at 1.1 km spatial resolution. These products maintain uniform standards in format, projection, and spatial coverage. The dataset includes a comprehensive suite of land and atmospheric parameters such as atmospherically corrected surface reflectance, NDVI, snow cover, fire hotspots, burnt area, land and sea surface temperatures, and various cloud physical properties (e.g., cloud top temperature).

By combining traditional and innovative remote sensing products with robust processing algorithms and state-of-the-art validation techniques, TIMELINE provides a unique, high-quality dataset for global change research.