VNP43D01: VIIRS BRDF Isotropic Parameter for Band M1

VNP43D01 is a decommissioned Version 1 data product from the Suomi NPP VIIRS instrument, providing the isotropic model parameter for Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and albedo calculations for band M1 (0.412 μm). It is a single-layer, daily global dataset at 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution, generated using a 16-day temporal window and weighted to the ninth day within a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG). The product is part of a larger suite of 39 files containing three model parameters for multiple VIIRS spectral bands.

Use Cases

• Deriving BRDF and albedo values for VIIRS band M1 based on the isotropic parameter combined with volumetric and geometric parameters.
• Inputting land surface reflectance parameters into global climate simulation models based on the Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) format.
• Analyzing temporal trends in surface reflectance using the daily product generated from a rolling 16-day observation window.
• Studying the impact of aerosol contamination on BRDF/albedo retrievals based on the documented issue with high aerosol flag activation.

Strengths

• Provides global spatial coverage in a Climate Modeling Grid designed for climate models.
• Offers daily temporal resolution with a consistent 16-day data synthesis window.
• Is part of a well-documented, cross-platform product suite with specific methodology references.

Limitations

• The dataset is decommissioned (as of July 31, 2025), directing users to newer Version 2 products.
• Metadata on specific columns, row counts, and file sizes is unavailable across all sources.
• Contains a known quality issue where high aerosol flag activation reduces acceptable input observations.

Provenance

Source

NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP VIIRS instrument, processed by LPCLOUD.

Collection Method

Produced daily from 16 days of satellite observations using a BRDF/albedo model.

Time Range

Daily production, but specific date range of available data is not provided.

Freshness

Last updated metadata dates conflict between 2025-02-01 and 2026-04-09.

Geography

Global coverage.