Improved remote sensing ecological index dataset of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from 2000 to 2022

<p indent="0mm">The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, long recognized as an ecological barrier for biodiversity and water cycling, also serves as a sensitive indicator of global climate change. Its intricate terrain and fragile ecosystem have faced escalating challenges in recent decades, driven by intensified human activities and the impacts of a changing climate. Accurately assessing the plateau’s ecological health is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of its environmental dynamics. Based on multiple MODIS datasets, four indicators including NDVI, LST, WET, and NDBSI were selected, and a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method was employed to generate an improved remote sensing ecological index (IRSEI) dataset spanning the years 2000–2022, with a spatial resolution of 500 meters. Notably, the RSEI calculation method was refined to enhance its temporal comparability, facilitating long-term monitoring of the region’s ecological well-being. The dataset underwent water and snow masking to eliminate the influence of water bodies and snow. The spatial distribution of the IRSEI was validated against a land use dataset, and the results demonstrated a high degree of consistency between the IRSEI data distribution and the land use types on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This dataset can serve as a theoretical basis and scientific support for the sustainable management and development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, contributing to its high-quality development.