VIIRS/JPSS1 Vegetation Indices: 16-Day Global 0.05-Degree Composite

Global satellite-derived vegetation indices are provided at a 0.05-degree resolution, composited from the best available pixels over 16-day periods. The dataset contains three primary indices—NDVI, EVI, and EVI2—alongside associated reflectance bands, quality layers, and statistical measures. It is designed to continue the long-term Earth Observation System (EOS) mission, succeeding similar MODIS products.

Use Cases

• Monitoring crop health and drought stress using NDVI and EVI time series.
• Analyzing global canopy cover dynamics based on EVI's sensitivity to vegetation structure.
• Assessing data quality and reliability for specific regions using the included pixel reliability and quality assurance layers.
• Studying long-term vegetation trends by leveraging the continuity with the MODIS mission legacy.

Strengths

• Contains 18 scientifically validated variables, including three core vegetation indices and their standard deviations.
• Promotes continuity with the long-running MODIS Terra and Aqua Vegetation Indices product suite.
• Available on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA Earthdata, Data.gov), indicating established use and validation.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is inconsistent across platforms, with missing column lists and conflicting license/author information.
• Known data gaps exist for specific map tiles (h33v07 and h18v14) over water due to missing sensor inputs.
• The exact temporal coverage and total data volume (rows/size) are not specified in the provided sources.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing, with pixels selected over a 16-day acquisition period and processed using the VJ113 algorithm.

Freshness

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

Geography

Global coverage at 0.05-degree resolution.