VNP43D01: VIIRS BRDF Isotropic Parameter for Band M1

Daily global data produced using 16 days of observations, temporally weighted to the ninth day. The dataset provides the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) isotropic parameter for the VIIRS band M1 (0.412 μm) at a 30 arc second (1,000 meter) resolution on a Climate Modeling Grid. This parameter is used in conjunction with volumetric and geometric parameters to derive BRDF and albedo values for climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Deriving land surface albedo for climate models based on the BRDF isotropic, volumetric, and geometric parameters.
• Analyzing surface anisotropy and reflectance properties using the 0.412 μm spectral band.
• Inputting temporally smoothed, global land surface data into climate simulation grids.
• Assessing changes in surface radiative properties following updates to sensor calibration and geolocation.

Strengths

• Provides a foundational model parameter for a specific spectral band (M1 at 0.412 μm) as part of a larger, systematic product suite (VNP43D01-VNP43D39).
• Offers daily, global coverage on a standardized Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) at 1km resolution.
• Incorporates improvements from a specific version, including an updated calibration algorithm and better geolocation accuracy.

Limitations

• Specific column names and data structure are not provided in the available metadata.
• The dataset is a single layer from a large product suite, requiring combination with other files (e.g., VNP43D02, VNP43D03) for a complete BRDF model.
• Known issues exist and require external reference to a separate quality assessment website for full understanding.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Produced from NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP satellite VIIRS sensor data using a defined BRDF/albedo algorithm.

Time Range

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

Freshness

2026-04-09 (from datagov platform)

Geography

Global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).