NSW Aridity Index - High resolution (30 meter)

The aridity index, also known as the Budyko radiative index of dryness, is a dimensionless parameter that represents the long-term balance between net radiation and precipitation. The method used to generate the high-resolution aridity index layer across New South Wales was developed by Nyman et al., 2014. To create the high-resolution (30 m) aridity index layer for New South Wales, the following parameters were used: 1 arc second monthly net radiation and shortwave radiation ratio, 30 years of historical data encompassing precipitation and surface temperature from the period 1992 to 2021, 30-meter Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation model, and 30-meter Leaf Area Index layer which provides insights into the density and distribution of vegetation across the region. The aridity index layer is a high-resolution dataset that allows identification of finer-scale variations in local moisture balance related to aspect unlike existing aridity index layers. This dataset serves as a valuable tool for understanding and managing water resources, assessing environmental conditions, and informing decision-making in a wide range of applications related to water management, land use, and climate change adaptation.

Organisation: Department of Planning and Environment

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Data and Resources

Additional Info

Metadata template type Raster
Asset Type Dataset
Edition 1
Purpose Fire management planning
Update Frequency Unknown
OEH Service Landscapes and Aquatic Ecosystems
Keywords HAZARDS-Fire
Geospatial Topic
  • Climatology meteorology atmosphere
  • Environment
Geospatial Coverage

Dataset extent

Temporal Coverage From 1992-01-01 - 2021-12-31
Datum GDA94 / NSW Lambert
Licence Creative Commons Attribution
Landing page https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/opendata/dataset/nsw-aridity-index-high-resolution-30-meter
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Attribution Department of Planning and Environment asserts the right to be attributed as author of the original material in the following manner: "© State Government of NSW and Department of Planning and Environment 2023"