MODIS BRDF Volumetric Parameter for Global Climate Modeling

MCD43D02 Version 6.1 provides the volumetric parameter for the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and Albedo model for MODIS band 1. This NASA LPCLOUD dataset is produced daily at 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) global resolution, using 16 days of combined Terra and Aqua MODIS observations. It is a key input for deriving surface reflectance and albedo values used in climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Deriving land surface albedo for climate models using the volumetric parameter with isotropic and geometric parameters.
• Analyzing surface anisotropy and reflectance properties for MODIS band 1 (red).
• Assessing daily changes in land surface characteristics at a 1km global scale.
• Integrating with other MCD43D parameter files to model full spectral BRDF.

Strengths

• Provides daily global coverage at 30 arc-second (1km) resolution for climate modeling grids.
• Version 6.1 incorporates improved calibration, including response-versus-scan angle corrections.
• Data is temporally weighted to represent the ninth day of a 16-day observation window.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA Earthdata and Data.gov signals its established importance.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and complete column names are not provided by any source.
• Users must apply band-specific quality flags to isolate highest-quality full inversion results.
• Each product file contains only one data layer due to large file sizes.

Provenance

Source

NASA LPCLOUD, using Terra and Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data.

Collection Method

Produced daily using 16 days of MODIS data, with parameters derived via BRDF/Albedo model inversion.

Time Range

Daily production; specific start date not provided.

Freshness

2026-03-12 23:46:19.154202

Geography

Global coverage.