VNP43D07: VIIRS BRDF Isotropic Parameter for Band M3

VNP43D07 is a daily global dataset containing the isotropic model parameter for Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and Albedo calculations derived from the VIIRS instrument on the Suomi NPP satellite. It is produced using a 16-day rolling window of data, temporally weighted to the ninth day, and is provided at a 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG). This single-layer product, specific to the blue-green VIIRS band M3 (0.488 μm), is a fundamental input for modeling surface reflectance anisotropy and deriving albedo in climate simulations.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface albedo for climate simulations based on the BRDF isotropic parameter for the 0.488 μm wavelength.
• Analyzing temporal changes in land surface reflectance anisotropy using the daily, 16-day composite product.
• Integrating VIIRS-derived BRDF parameters into Earth system models that use the global Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).
• Cross-calibrating or validating land surface products from other sensors using the VIIRS M3 band's model parameters.

Strengths

• Provides a long-term, consistent data record with improved calibration and geolocation for the entire Suomi NPP mission.
• Offers global daily coverage at a consistent 1-kilometer spatial resolution on a Climate Modeling Grid.
• Is part of a systematically produced suite (VNP43D01-VNP43D39) where methodology is documented in an Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD).

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low; column names, row counts, and specific file sizes are not provided on any platform.
• Each product file contains only one data layer, requiring multiple files for a complete BRDF model parameter set.
• Known data quality issues exist, requiring users to consult an external website for the latest assessment.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Derived from 16 days of VIIRS observations using a BRDF model, temporally weighted to the ninth day.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-09 according to nasa_earthdata and datagov.

Geography

Global coverage.