VJ143D05: Volumetric BRDF Parameter for VIIRS Band M2

Global daily data provides the volumetric parameter for the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) model for the NOAA-20 VIIRS satellite's M2 band (0.445 μm). This single-layer product is generated at 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution using a 16-day rolling composite, temporally weighted to the ninth day, and formatted on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG). The parameter is used in conjunction with isotropic and geometric parameters to derive surface albedo and reflectance anisotropy for climate and land surface studies.

Use Cases

• Deriving surface albedo for climate simulation models based on the three BRDF model parameters.
• Analyzing land surface anisotropy and reflectance patterns using the volumetric parameter for the 0.445 μm spectral band.
• Inputting pre-processed, temporally composited geophysical parameters into global Earth system models.
• Assessing changes in surface radiative properties over time from the daily, 16-day composite data product.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) designed for direct use in climate simulations.
• Offers daily temporal resolution with a consistent 16-day compositing method, weighting data to a central date.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA and government portals indicates established provenance and importance for the research community.

Limitations

• Dataset size, row count, and specific column structure are not documented in the provided metadata.
• The 'last updated' field shows a future date (2026), indicating a potential metadata error or conflict.
• Each file contains only a single data layer, requiring multiple files for a complete BRDF parameter set.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Produced from NOAA-20 Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor data using a defined algorithm.

Time Range

Daily production with a 16-day rolling composite window.

Freshness

2026-03-12 20:21:47.052122 (Note: This is a future date, suggesting a metadata anomaly)

Geography

Global