MODIS Terra Vegetation Indices at 250m Global Resolution

MODIS/Terra Vegetation Indices 16-Day L3 Global 250m SIN Grid V006 is a decommissioned satellite-derived dataset providing global vegetation metrics every 16 days. The product includes primary indices like NDVI and EVI, along with reflectance bands and quality layers, generated at a 250-meter spatial resolution. It was produced by NASA's LPCLOUD but has been superseded by Version 6.1.

Use Cases

• Monitoring agricultural health and crop yields using the NDVI and EVI layers.
• Tracking seasonal vegetation phenology and biomass changes over time with the 16-day composite data.
• Assessing land cover change and desertification by analyzing time-series trends in the red, NIR, and mid-infrared reflectance bands.
• Validating ecosystem models with spatially explicit, global-scale vegetation index data.

Strengths

• Provides a global spatial coverage at a consistent 250-meter resolution.
• Offers a long-term, 16-day composite time-series for tracking vegetation changes.
• Includes multiple data layers: two primary vegetation indices (NDVI, EVI), four reflectance bands, and quality assurance information.

Limitations

• The dataset (Version 6) is officially decommissioned as of July 31, 2023, with users directed to use Version 6.1.
• Contains known data quality issues including unexpected missing data in annual cycles, incorrect 'NoData' flags, spikes in NDVI values, and incorrectly assigned VI Usefulness bits.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, reporting both 2023-02-17 and a future date of 2026-03-13.

Provenance

Source

NASA LPCLOUD, derived from the Terra MODIS instrument.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data processed into Level 3 gridded products using an algorithm that selects the best pixel from a 16-day period based on low clouds, low view angle, and highest NDVI/EVI.

Time Range

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Freshness

2026-03-13 00:07:56.043997

Geography

Global