Aqua MODIS 16-Day Global Vegetation Indices at 1km Resolution

MODIS/Aqua Vegetation Indices 16-Day L3 Global 1km SIN Grid V061 provides two primary vegetation layers: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The dataset includes reflectance bands and quality assurance layers at 1-kilometer spatial resolution, produced by LPCLOUD from NASA's Aqua satellite.

Use Cases

• Model vegetation health trends using the 16-day composite NDVI and EVI layers.
• Analyze reflectance properties for land classification with the red, near-infrared, blue, and mid-infrared bands.
• Filter data quality for time-series analysis using the two quality assurance (QA) layers.
• Monitor high-biomass regions with improved sensitivity from the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI).

Strengths

• Provides two established vegetation indices (NDVI and EVI) for continuity and improved sensitivity.
• Includes four spectral reflectance bands and four observation layers alongside the primary indices.
• Pixel values are selected from a 16-day period based on low clouds, low view angle, and highest NDVI/EVI.

Limitations

• Spatial resolution is 1km, limiting analysis for fine-scale ecological or agricultural features.
• Known data issues exist, requiring users to consult the MODIS/VIIRS Land Quality Assessment website.
• Temporal compositing over 16 days may smooth out short-term vegetation dynamics.

Provenance

Source

NASA Aqua satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument.

Collection Method

Algorithm selects the best available pixel value from all acquisitions within a 16-day period based on low clouds, low view angle, and highest NDVI/EVI value.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Global coverage using the sinusoidal (SIN) grid projection.