MCD43D13: MODIS Band 5 BRDF Isotropic Parameter for Global Climate Models

MCD43D13 Version 6 was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, with users directed to a newer version. This daily global dataset provides the isotropic model parameter for MODIS band 5, derived from 16 days of Terra and Aqua satellite observations at a 1,000-meter resolution. The parameter is one of three used to calculate Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function and Albedo values for climate simulation grids.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface albedo for climate simulations based on the BRDF isotropic parameter for MODIS band 5.
• Analyzing temporal changes in land surface reflectance using daily, globally-complete Climate Modeling Grid data.
• Isolating high-quality reflectance inversions for specific science applications using the band-specific quality flags described in the user guide.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) Climate Modeling Grid resolution.
• Data is produced daily using a 16-day observation window from two satellite platforms (Terra and Aqua MODIS).
• Cross-platform presence on NASA Earthdata and Data.gov signals its established use in the scientific community.

Limitations

• The dataset is explicitly deprecated; the provider states users should avoid substantive use and wait for the corrected Version 6.1 products.
• Metadata for row count, file size, and specific columns is unavailable across all sources.
• Conflicting 'last updated' timestamps (2023 and 2026) suggest metadata may not reflect the actual data status.

Provenance

Source

NASA's Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LPCLOUD), using data from the Terra and Aqua MODIS sensors.

Collection Method

Produced daily using a temporally-weighted algorithm applied to 16 days of satellite surface reflectance observations.

Time Range

Coverage is daily, but the specific date range of available files is not provided.

Freshness

The dataset product was decommissioned on July 31, 2023. A metadata record shows an update as recent as 2026-04-10, but this likely refers to the catalog entry, not the deprecated data.

Geography

Global.