MCD15A2H: Global Vegetation LAI and FPAR from MODIS

MCD15A2H Version 6.1 is a NASA MODIS Level 4 product providing combined Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR) measurements globally. The dataset is an 8-day composite with a 500-meter pixel size, derived from the best available observations from both the Terra and Aqua satellites. It serves as a key resource for monitoring vegetation canopy structure and photosynthetic activity.

Use Cases

• Modeling carbon and water cycles based on vegetation canopy absorption (FPAR).
• Monitoring crop health and agricultural productivity using Leaf Area Index (LAI) time series.
• Assessing global vegetation dynamics and phenology from 8-day composite imagery.
• Validating and calibrating ecosystem models with satellite-derived biophysical parameters.

Strengths

• Provides a globally consistent, long-term time series from two major NASA satellites (Terra and Aqua).
• Offers a specific spatial resolution of 500 meters and an 8-day temporal compositing period.
• Version 6.1 incorporates documented calibration improvements for sensor data.

Limitations

• Column names and specific data structure are not provided in the available metadata.
• Dataset size and row counts are unknown, limiting assessment of data volume.
• Relies on compositing algorithms which may mask daily variability; known issues are referenced externally.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via MODIS sensors on Terra and Aqua platforms, with algorithmic compositing.

Time Range

null

Freshness

2026-04-09 23:49:55.213309

Geography

Global