MODIS Terra 16-Day Global Vegetation Indices At 1km Resolution

MODIS/Terra Vegetation Indices 16-Day L3 Global 1km SIN Grid V061 provides per-pixel vegetation index values at 1 kilometer spatial resolution. The dataset includes two primary vegetation layers, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), along with four reflectance bands and quality assurance layers. It is produced by LPCLOUD/NASA from MODIS Terra sensor data.

Use Cases

• Modeling vegetation health and biomass using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) layer over high biomass regions.
• Analyzing long-term vegetation trends and continuity with historical data via the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) layer.
• Assessing data quality and filtering pixels using the provided quality assurance (QA) layers for cloud cover and view angle.
• Incorporating surface reflectance from bands 1 (red), 2 (near-infrared), 3 (blue), and 7 (mid-infrared) for composite spectral analysis.
• Monitoring 16-day seasonal phenology cycles using the best available pixel value selected from multiple acquisitions.

Strengths

• Provides two complementary vegetation indices (NDVI and EVI) with different sensitivities.
• Includes four raw reflectance bands and quality assurance layers for data validation.
• Uses a pixel selection algorithm prioritizing low clouds, low view angle, and highest VI value for each 16-day composite.

Limitations

• Spatial resolution is 1km, which may be too coarse for local or field-scale studies.
• Known data issues exist, requiring users to consult the MODIS/VIIRS Land Quality Assessment website.
• The 16-day compositing period may smooth out rapid vegetation changes occurring within that window.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata / LPCLOUD, MODIS Terra sensor.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing, with an algorithm selecting the best available pixel from all acquisitions over a 16-day period.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Global coverage using the sinusoidal (SIN) grid projection.