MCD43D08: Daily Global BRDF Volumetric Parameter for MODIS Band 3 at 1km Resolution

MCD43D08 Version 6 is a decommissioned NASA dataset providing a single daily global layer of the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) volumetric parameter for MODIS band 3 at 30 arc-second (approximately 1,000 meter) resolution. It was produced using 16 days of combined Terra and Aqua MODIS observations, with data weighted to the ninth day of the period for use in climate simulation models. Users are directed to use the updated MCD43D08 Version 6.1 product instead.

Use Cases

• Deriving albedo values for MODIS band 3 based on the volumetric parameter in conjunction with isotropic and geometric parameters.
• Inputting BRDF parameters into climate simulation models for the entire globe as a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) product.
• Isolating high-quality full inversion results for science applications using the band-specific quality flags described in the User Guide.

Strengths

• Provides global daily coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1km) spatial resolution.
• Data is temporally weighted to a specific day within a 16-day observation window to reduce noise.
• Product is part of a structured suite (MCD43D01 through MCD43D30) where each model parameter and band is stored separately.

Limitations

• This Version 6 product was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, and the provider urges users to avoid substantive use of it in favor of the corrected Version 6.1.
• Known issues in the input surface reflectance data, particularly over arid bright surfaces, may have impacted this product.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

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

Time Range

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

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:43:49.349148; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global