MCD43D12: Daily Global BRDF Geometric Parameter for MODIS Band 4

Global daily data on the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) geometric parameter for MODIS band 4, produced by NASA. The dataset is generated using 16 days of combined Terra and Aqua MODIS satellite observations at a 30 arc second (approximately 1,000 meter) resolution, weighted to the ninth day of the period. It is part of the Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) product suite designed for climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface albedo for climate simulations based on the BRDF geometric parameter.
• Analyzing land surface radiative properties over time using daily, globally gridded data.
• Integrating MODIS-derived BRDF parameters into Earth system models for improved energy budget calculations.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage at a consistent 30 arc second (1,000 meter) resolution.
• Daily temporal production using a 16-day observation window from two satellite platforms (Terra and Aqua).
• Designed specifically for use in climate simulation models as part of the Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).

Limitations

• The Version 6 product was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, and users are directed to use Version 6.1.
• Known issues in Collection 6, particularly over arid bright surfaces, may impact data quality.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires 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 temporal coverage.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:41:54.906260; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global spatial coverage.