MODIS MCD12Q1: Global Land Cover Types at 500m Resolution, 2001-2020

Global land cover data at yearly intervals from 2001 to 2020, produced by NASA. The dataset provides classifications from six different schemes, derived from combined Terra and Aqua satellite reflectance data. It includes layers for land cover types, properties, assessments, quality control, and a water mask.

Use Cases

• Monitoring global land cover change over time based on yearly intervals from 2001-2020.
• Classifying land use for ecological modeling based on the six provided classification schemes.
• Refining land cover maps using the post-processed Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to reduce year-to-year label variation.
• Integrating land and water data for hydrological studies using the included Land Water Mask layer.

Strengths

• Provides 20 years of consistent, yearly global data (2001-2020).
• Includes six distinct land cover classification schemes, including a new FAO LCCS-based scheme.
• Algorithm improvements include gap-filled spectro-temporal features and a post-processing HMM to reduce spurious variation.
• Data is derived from combined MODIS Terra and Aqua satellite reflectance, a well-established source.

Limitations

• The product is decommissioned; users are directed to use Version 6.1.
• The description notes the data should not be used to determine post-classification land cover change between years due to label uncertainty.
• Metadata completeness is limited; the 'units' field is missing and known issues require consulting external documentation.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Derived using supervised classifications of MODIS Terra and Aqua reflectance data, with post-processing incorporating prior knowledge and ancillary information.

Time Range

2001-2020

Freshness

Last updated 2026 03 12 23:22:41.796026; however, the data product itself covers 2001-2020 and is decommissioned.

Geography

Global