MCD43D43: Daily Global Black-Sky Albedo for MODIS Band 2 at 1km Resolution

MCD43D43 Version 6 is a daily, global dataset of black-sky albedo for MODIS spectral band 2, produced by NASA. It is generated using 16 days of Terra and Aqua MODIS observations at a 30 arc-second (approximately 1,000-meter) resolution, with data weighted to the ninth day of the period. This product was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, and users are directed to use the Version 6.1 product.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface energy balance in climate simulations based on the daily, global black-sky albedo data.
• Analyzing land surface changes over time using the 16-day rolling observation window described.
• Assessing surface radiative properties for specific spectral bands, as this dataset focuses on MODIS band 2.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1km) Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) resolution.
• Daily temporal product derived from a 16-day observation window from two satellite platforms (Terra and Aqua).
• Part of a documented product suite (MCD43D) with specific quality assessment guidance provided.

Limitations

• This specific version (V006) was decommissioned due to known issues, particularly over arid bright surfaces, and users are urged to use V6.1.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The dataset contains just one data layer per file, which may require combining multiple files for a complete analysis.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Produced daily using 16 days of Terra and Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data.

Time Range

Daily coverage, with data weighted to the ninth day of a 16-day period.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:35:16.795839; freshness should be verified as the V006 product is decommissioned.

Geography

Global