MCD43C1: Daily Global BRDF/Albedo Model Parameters at 0.05 Degrees

MCD43C1 Version 6 provides 30 parameter layers for MODIS spectral bands 1-7, plus ancillary layers for quality and uncertainty. The dataset is produced daily by NASA using 16 days of Terra and Aqua MODIS data in a 0.05-degree Climate Modeling Grid. This product was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, and users are encouraged to use the updated Version 6.1.

Use Cases

• Deriving albedo products for climate simulation models based on the provided isotropic, volumetric, and geometric model parameters.
• Analyzing surface reflectance anisotropy using the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) model parameters.
• Assessing land surface properties over the entire globe using the daily, 0.05-degree resolution Climate Modeling Grid.
• Filtering data quality for scientific applications using the band-specific quality flags described in the User Guide.

Strengths

• Provides 30 distinct parameter layers covering MODIS spectral bands 1-7 and broadbands.
• Global daily coverage at a 0.05-degree (approximately 5,600-meter) spatial resolution.
• Produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) using combined Terra and Aqua MODIS observations.

Limitations

• This Version 6 product was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, due to known issues impacting data quality over arid bright surfaces.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Produced daily using 16 days of Terra and Aqua MODIS data, temporally weighted to the ninth day of the retrieval period.

Time Range

Daily

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:47:28.861670; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global