MODIS/Terra Vegetation Indices: 16-Day Global 1km Grid

Global satellite data provides two primary vegetation indices, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), at 1-kilometer spatial resolution every 16 days. The dataset includes surface reflectance bands and quality assurance layers, with pixels selected based on low cloud cover, low view angle, and highest vegetation index value. This product is designed for continuity with historical NOAA-AVHRR NDVI data and offers improved sensitivity in high biomass regions.

Use Cases

• Monitoring agricultural drought and crop health based on NDVI and EVI time series.
• Assessing long-term vegetation trends and phenology from the 16-day composite data.
• Modeling carbon cycles and biomass using reflectance bands and vegetation indices.
• Validating land surface models with quality-assured, global-scale satellite observations.

Strengths

• Provides two established vegetation indices (NDVI and EVI) with complementary sensitivities.
• Offers global coverage at a consistent 1-kilometer spatial resolution.
• Includes multiple data layers: reflectance bands, observation layers, and quality assurance information.

Limitations

• The dataset (Version 6) was officially decommissioned on July 31, 2023, with users directed to a newer version.
• Known data quality issues include unexpected missing data in annual cycles, incorrect 'NoData' flags, and misassigned VI Usefulness bits.
• Metadata completeness is low, with column names, row counts, and precise temporal coverage unspecified across sources.

Provenance

Source

LPCLOUD / NASA MODIS (Terra satellite)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing, with pixel values chosen from all acquisitions within a 16-day period based on quality criteria.

Freshness

Last updated dates conflict between sources: 2026-04-10 and 2023-02-17.

Geography

Global