MCD43D20: Daily Global BRDF/Albedo Volumetric Parameter for MODIS Band 7

Global daily data for the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) volumetric parameter for MODIS band 7, produced by NASA. The dataset is generated using 16 days of Terra and Aqua MODIS observations at a 30 arc second (approximately 1,000 meter) resolution, with data weighted to the ninth day. This product is part of the Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) suite designed for climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface albedo for climate simulations based on the daily, globally gridded BRDF parameters.
• Analyzing land surface radiative properties over time using the temporally weighted 16-day observation window.
• Integrating volumetric parameter data with isotropic and geometric parameters to derive BRDF/Albedo values for MODIS band 7.
• Assessing surface reflectance changes, particularly over arid bright surfaces, using the band-specific quality flags.

Strengths

• Data is produced daily with a consistent 16-day observation window, providing regular temporal coverage.
• Global coverage at a 30 arc second (1,000 meter) resolution suitable for climate-scale modeling.
• Product is part of a structured suite (MCD43D01 through MCD43D30) where each model parameter and band is stored separately.
• Improvements from previous versions include better quality at high latitudes and use of L2G-lite surface reflectance as input.

Limitations

• The dataset (Version 6) was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, and users are directed to use Version 6.1.
• Known issues in Collection 6, particularly related to aerosol representation impacting downstream products over bright surfaces, advise against substantive use.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality and specific file structure require manual inspection 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; data is temporally weighted to the ninth day of a 16-day period.

Freshness

Last updated 2026 03 12 23:25:11.732072; freshness should be verified as the dataset version is deprecated.

Geography

Global