MCD43D18: Daily Global BRDF Geometric Parameter for MODIS Band 6 at 1km Resolution

MCD43D18 Version 6.1 is a NASA-produced dataset containing the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) geometric model parameter for MODIS band 6. It is generated daily at a 30 arc second (approximately 1,000 meter) global resolution, using 16 days of combined Terra and Aqua MODIS data weighted to the ninth day. This Climate Modeling Grid product is designed for use in climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface reflectance anisotropy for climate simulations based on the BRDF parameters.
• Deriving albedo values for MODIS band 6 based on the combined isotropic, volumetric, and geometric parameters.
• Assessing land surface radiative properties for global studies based on the 1km resolution Climate Modeling Grid.
• Filtering data quality for scientific applications based on the band-specific quality flags mentioned in the user guide.

Strengths

• Daily production provides frequent temporal coverage.
• Global spatial coverage at a consistent 30 arc second (1km) resolution.
• Data incorporates calibration improvements from Version 6.1, including response-versus-scan angle and polarization corrections.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• 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 production, data temporally weighted to the ninth day of a 16-day window.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:42:18.813842; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global