VJ143D21: VIIRS BRDF Geometric Parameter for Band M8

Global daily data provides the geometric model parameter for the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and albedo for VIIRS band M8 (1.240 μm). The dataset is produced daily using a 16-day temporal composite weighted to the ninth day and is projected on a 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) Climate Modeling Grid (CMG). This single-layer parameter, alongside isotropic and volumetric parameters, is used to derive surface reflectance anisotropy and albedo for climate and land surface modeling.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface albedo for climate simulations based on the BRDF model parameters.
• Analyzing land surface anisotropy and reflectance patterns using the geometric kernel parameter for band M8.
• Incorporating temporally smoothed, global surface reflectance data into Earth system models via the Climate Modeling Grid format.
• Studying long-term changes in surface radiative properties using the daily, 16-day composite time series.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage on a standardized Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) designed for climate simulation models.
• Uses a 16-day temporal composite to reduce noise, with data weighted to the central (ninth) day.
• Algorithm benefits from improvements including better calibration coefficients and improved geolocation accuracy for the NOAA-20 mission.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: column names, row counts, and exact file sizes are not provided on any platform.
• Each product file contains only a single data layer, requiring users to manage multiple files for a complete parameter set.
• Known issues exist and require referral to an external website for details, indicating potential data quality caveats.

Provenance

Source

NOAA-20 Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) satellite sensor, processed by LPCLOUD.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data processed through the VJ143 algorithm suite to derive BRDF model parameters.

Time Range

Daily production using a rolling 16-day composite; specific start date not provided.

Freshness

Last updated on 2026 04 09 according to two platforms.

Geography

Global coverage.