MCD43D09: Daily Global BRDF Geometric Parameter for MODIS Band 3 at 1km Resolution

MCD43D09 Version 6 is a NASA-produced daily global dataset of the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) geometric parameter for MODIS band 3. It is generated using 16 days of Terra and Aqua MODIS observations at a 30 arc second (approximately 1,000 meter) resolution, temporally weighted to the ninth day. This product was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, and users are directed to the Version 6.1 replacement.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface albedo for climate simulations based on the BRDF parameters.
• Analyzing daily land surface reflectance anisotropy based on the geometric, isotropic, and volumetric BRDF model parameters.
• Incorporating high-latitude observational data into climate models based on the improved data collection method mentioned.
• Assessing land surface changes using the temporally weighted ninth-day reflectance value.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage at a consistent 30 arc second (1km) Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) resolution.
• Daily production using a 16-day observation window from two satellite platforms (Terra and Aqua MODIS).
• Explicit documentation of known issues and corrections implemented in the subsequent Collection 6.1 version.

Limitations

• The dataset (Version 6) is deprecated, with known issues over arid bright surfaces, and substantive use is discouraged.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Each product file contains just one data layer, which may complicate multi-parameter analysis.

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

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:24:31.169326; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global