Global 500-Meter Vegetation Indices from MODIS Terra Satellite

MODIS/Terra satellite data provides two primary vegetation indices, NDVI and EVI, at a 500-meter spatial resolution for global land monitoring. The algorithm selects the best pixel value from all acquisitions within a 16-day period based on low clouds, low view angle, and highest index value. This Version 6.1 product is generated by the LPCLOUD organization using NASA's Terra satellite sensor.

Use Cases

• Modeling vegetation phenology cycles using the 16-day NDVI and EVI time series.
• Assessing crop health and agricultural productivity by analyzing red and near-infrared reflectance bands.
• Detecting land cover changes and deforestation events using the mid-infrared band and quality assurance layers.
• Calibrating other satellite-derived vegetation products using the continuity NDVI index designed to match NOAA-AVHRR data.

Strengths

• Provides two scientifically validated vegetation indices, NDVI and EVI, with the latter offering improved sensitivity in high biomass regions.
• Includes auxiliary data layers: four spectral reflectance bands and four observation layers for enhanced analysis.
• Pixel values are quality-filtered from multiple acquisitions per 16-day period using criteria for low clouds and view angle.

Limitations

• Spatial resolution of 500 meters may be too coarse for studying small-scale ecological features or precision agriculture.
• The 16-day compositing period can smooth out short-term vegetation changes or rapid events.
• Known issues exist, requiring users to consult external documentation for complete error information.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata, MODIS instrument on the Terra satellite.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing, with per-pixel algorithm selecting best value from multiple acquisitions over a 16-day period.

Time Range

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Freshness

Data is produced on a 16-day cycle (L3 product).

Geography

Global land coverage.