MCD43D01: Daily Global BRDF/Albedo Model Parameters at 1km Resolution

MCD43D01 Version 6 is a decommissioned NASA MODIS product providing daily Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and Albedo model parameters. It was produced using 16 days of combined Terra and Aqua satellite data at a 30 arc-second (approximately 1km) global Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) resolution, with data weighted to the ninth day. The dataset, specifically the isotropic parameter for MODIS band 1, was created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and was decommissioned on July 31, 2023.

Use Cases

• Modeling land surface albedo for climate simulations based on the global Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) product.
• Analyzing daily surface reflectance anisotropy using the BRDF isotropic, volumetric, and geometric parameters described.
• Assessing land surface changes over time using the temporally weighted 16-day observation period mentioned.
• Integrating satellite-derived albedo parameters into Earth system models based on the product's stated purpose.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (approx. 1km) resolution suitable for climate models.
• Uses a 16-day observation window weighted to a central day, which may improve temporal representativeness.
• Product documentation references specific known issues and corrections for Collection 6.1, providing transparency.

Limitations

• The dataset (Version 6) was officially decommissioned on July 31, 2023, and users are directed to use Version 6.1.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality and structure require manual inspection after download.
• Known issues with input surface reflectance products, particularly over arid bright surfaces, are noted for Collection 6.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) MODIS instruments on Terra and Aqua satellites.

Collection Method

Produced daily using 16 days of MODIS data, temporally weighted to the ninth day.

Time Range

Daily production; specific temporal coverage is not provided in the input.

Freshness

Last updated metadata date is 2026 03 12, but the underlying Version 6 data product is decommissioned.

Geography

Global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).