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

MODIS13A2 Version 6.1 provides global vegetation index values at a 1-kilometer spatial resolution. The product includes two primary vegetation layers, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), along with four reflectance bands and quality assurance layers. It is produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with a last recorded update in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Monitor global vegetation health and phenology based on the 16-day composite NDVI and EVI layers.
• Assess biomass changes in high-density regions using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) layer.
• Perform time-series analysis of land surface reflectance using the provided red, near-infrared, blue, and mid-infrared bands.
• Filter and quality-control satellite observations using the included quality assurance (QA) layers.

Strengths

• Provides two standardized vegetation indices (NDVI and EVI) with improved sensitivity for high biomass.
• Uses a pixel selection algorithm prioritizing low clouds, low view angle, and highest vegetation index value over a 16-day period.
• Includes four reflectance bands and observation layers alongside the primary vegetation data.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the MODIS/Terra sensor, with algorithmic pixel selection and calibration.

Time Range

The description suggests a temporal coverage from at least 2012 onward, based on calibration updates mentioned.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:36:14.743411; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage at a 1km spatial resolution using a sinusoidal grid projection.