MCD43D03: Daily Global BRDF Geometric Parameter for MODIS Band 1

MCD43D03 Version 6 was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, with users directed to the newer Version 6.1. This NASA product provides a daily, global Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) geometric parameter for MODIS band 1 at a 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution. Data are produced using 16 days of Terra and Aqua MODIS observations, weighted to the ninth day for use in climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Deriving albedo values for MODIS band 1 based on the geometric parameter in conjunction with isotropic and volumetric parameters.
• Isolating high-quality full inversion results for science applications using the band-specific quality flags.
• Feeding climate simulation models with daily, global surface reflectance parameters at 1km resolution.
• Analyzing land surface properties over time using the temporally weighted, 16-day observation window.

Strengths

• Provides a single, focused data layer (the geometric parameter for MODIS band 1) as part of a larger 30-file parameter suite.
• Offers global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) resolution.
• Uses observations weighted to the ninth day of a 16-day period, intended to provide a daily estimate.
• Incorporates improvements such as using all available high-latitude observations and L2G-lite surface reflectance as input.

Limitations

• This specific Version 6 product is decommissioned; the description strongly advises against substantive use and recommends waiting for the C6.1 products.
• Known issues in Collection 6, particularly related to incorrect aerosol representation impacting downstream products over bright surfaces.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality and file structure require manual inspection after download.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

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 represent the ninth day of a 16-day observation period.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03 12 23:25:00.484975; freshness should be verified as the underlying data product is decommissioned.

Geography

Global