6. MODIS download

MODIS downloads are performed directly through the URLs provided in the file daac_mcd12q1_data_links.txt.

The downloads require registration through NASA’s EarthData website. See: https://urs.earthdata.nasa.gov/

Authentication is handled through Python’s requests package. Store user details (username and password) in a new file $HOME/.netrc (Unix/Linux) or C:\Users\[user]\.netrc (Windows) as follows (replace [name] and [pass] with your own credentials):

machine urs.earthdata.nasa.gov
login [name]
password [pass]

For details, see: https://lpdaac.usgs.gov/resources/e-learning/how-access-lp-daac-data-command-line/

Note: given that these passwords are stored as plain text, it is strongly recommended to use a unique password that is different from any other passwords you currently have in use.

6.1. Download run instructions

Execute the download script and keep the terminal or notebook open until the downloads fully complete. No manual interaction with the https://urs.earthdata.nasa.gov/ website is required.