Remote sensing ecological index dataset of the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2024

The Loess Plateau, as a critical ecological security barrier in China, exhibits significant sensitivity and vulnerability in its ecosystem. Over the past few decades, ecological engineering projects such as the “Grain for Green Program” have significantly improved vegetation coverage in the region, effectively curbing soil erosion. However, due to the combined effects of frequent extreme climate events and human activities, the area remains a typical region for studying ecological vulnerability. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, this study utilizes the MODIS dataset series and employs the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to construct a 1 km spatial resolution remote sensing based ecological index (RSEI) dataset of the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2024. By integrating land use/land cover datasets, the study confirms that the spatial distribution of RSEI grades aligns closely with regional ecosystem types. This dataset provides critical data support for optimizing the ecological security pattern and formulating sustainable development policies for the Loess Plateau. It is of great significance for promoting ecological conservation and high-quality development strategies in the Yellow River Basin.