MODIS/Terra+Aqua LAI/FPAR: Global Vegetation 8-Day 500m Grid

MCD15A2H V6.1 provides an 8-day composite of Leaf Area Index and Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation at a 500-meter pixel resolution globally. The algorithm selects the best pixel from acquisitions by both NASA's Terra and Aqua satellite sensors within each composite period. Version 6.1 incorporates calibration improvements, including corrections for sensor response-versus-scan angle and optical crosstalk in Terra MODIS infrared bands.

Use Cases

• Modeling global carbon and water cycles based on vegetation canopy absorption metrics.
• Monitoring agricultural crop health and yield estimation using time-series LAI data.
• Assessing forest canopy structure and biomass for ecological studies.
• Tracking seasonal vegetation phenology and drought impacts via 8-day FPAR composites.
• Validating and improving land surface models with satellite-derived biophysical parameters.

Strengths

• Data combines observations from two NASA satellite platforms (Terra and Aqua) for improved temporal coverage.
• Version 6.1 includes specific calibration improvements for sensor response and optical crosstalk, documented for the period 2012-2017.
• Provides two key biophysical variables (LAI and FPAR) at a consistent 500-meter spatial resolution.

Limitations

• Platform metadata conflicts: one source lists a last updated date of 2026-04-09, which may be a placeholder or error, while others show no date.
• Column names and dataset size (rows, file size) are not specified in any source, limiting understanding of data structure.
• Known issues exist and require users to consult an external NASA assessment website for complete details.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via MODIS sensors on Terra and Aqua satellites, processed with a best-pixel composite algorithm.

Freshness

2026-04-09 23:49:55.213309

Geography

Global