VNP43D02: VIIRS BRDF Volumetric Parameter for Band M1

NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP VIIRS BRDF/Albedo Model Parameter 2 Band M1 (VNP43D02) is a daily global dataset providing the volumetric parameter for the 0.412 μm spectral band. It is produced using 16 days of data at a 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) for use in climate simulations. The volumetric parameter, alongside isotropic and geometric parameters, is used to derive surface reflectance anisotropy and albedo values.

Use Cases

• Modeling surface reflectance anisotropy for climate simulations based on the BRDF model parameters.
• Deriving land surface albedo for energy balance studies using the volumetric parameter in conjunction with isotropic and geometric parameters.
• Analyzing temporal changes in surface properties using the daily, globally-complete Climate Modeling Grid data.
• Assimilating satellite-derived land surface data into Earth system models based on the 30 arc-second resolution product.

Strengths

• Provides a specific model parameter (volumetric) for a key VIIRS spectral band (M1 at 0.412 μm) used in BRDF/albedo derivation.
• Offers daily global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid, suitable for large-scale climate modeling applications.
• Represents an improved data version with better calibration coefficients and geolocation accuracy for the entire Suomi NPP mission.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low; specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are not provided on any platform.
• Each product file contains only one data layer due to large file sizes, which may complicate multi-parameter analysis.
• Data is temporally composited using a 16-day window weighted to the ninth day, which may smooth rapid surface changes.

Provenance

Source

NASA/NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS).

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data processed through the VNP43 algorithm suite to derive BRDF model parameters.

Freshness

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

Geography

Global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).