MCD18A1: Global Downward Shortwave Radiation at 1km Resolution

Global land surfaces are covered by this daily and 3-hourly dataset of incident solar radiation in the shortwave spectrum (300-4,000 nm). The data is a Level 3 product derived from combined MODIS Terra and Aqua satellite observations, produced at a 1-kilometer pixel resolution. It is generated using a prototyping algorithm that employs multi-temporal signatures and look-up tables to account for aerosols, clouds, and viewing geometry.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface energy balance for climate studies based on 3-hourly downward shortwave radiation estimates.
• Assessing solar energy potential over land surfaces using the 1km resolution global DSR product.
• Validating and calibrating land-surface models that require incident solar radiation as an input variable.
• Analyzing diurnal and seasonal patterns of solar radiation from the instantaneous and 3-hour DSR arrays.

Strengths

• Provides high-resolution global coverage at a 1-kilometer pixel scale.
• Offers high temporal granularity with both daily and 3-hourly estimates of radiation.
• Integrates data from two major satellite platforms, MODIS Terra and Aqua, for combined analysis.
• Algorithm accounts for complex atmospheric conditions including aerosol and cloud loadings.

Limitations

• The dataset (Version 6.1) was officially decommissioned on June 1, 2024, indicating it is not the current version.
• Specific column names and the total dataset size are not provided in the available metadata.
• Known issues exist, requiring users to consult an external quality assessment website for details.

Provenance

Source

LPCLOUD / NASA MODIS (Terra and Aqua satellites)

Collection Method

Derived from MODIS satellite data using a prototyping algorithm with multi-temporal signatures and look-up tables (LUTs).

Freshness

Last updated date conflicts between sources: one lists 2026-04-09, another lists 2024-06-01 (the decommission date).

Geography

Global land surfaces