VJ143D09: VIIRS BRDF Geometric Parameter for Band M3

Daily global data at 1,000-meter resolution, produced using a 16-day rolling window weighted to the ninth day. The dataset contains the geometric model parameter for the VIIRS band M3 (0.488 μm), which is used with isotropic and volumetric parameters to derive Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and albedo values. It is part of a 39-file suite covering multiple spectral bands, formatted for global Climate Modeling Grids (CMG) to support climate simulation.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface albedo for climate simulations based on the geometric BRDF parameter for the 0.488 μm wavelength.
• Analyzing temporal changes in land surface anisotropy using a daily product with a 16-day temporal composite.
• Integrating VIIRS-derived reflectance parameters into land surface models that use the Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) format.
• Cross-calibrating land surface products by referencing the improved geolocation and calibration algorithms noted in the version history.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) spatial resolution.
• Incorporates algorithm improvements from the S-NPP VIIRS V002 version, including better calibration coefficients and geolocation accuracy.
• Is part of a cross-platform dataset (NASA Earthdata and Data.gov), indicating established use and validation.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: column names, row counts, and specific author information are not provided on any platform.
• Each file contains only a single data layer, requiring users to manage multiple files (VJ143D01 through VJ143D39) for a complete analysis.
• Known issues exist and require external reference to the MODIS/VIIRS Land Quality Assessment website for full details.

Provenance

Source

LPCLOUD (NASA Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center).

Collection Method

Derived from NOAA-20 VIIRS sensor data using a documented BRDF/Albedo algorithm.

Time Range

Daily production, utilizing a rolling 16-day data window.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-09 according to NASA Earthdata and Data.gov.

Geography

Global coverage.