VNP43D08: VIIRS BRDF Volumetric Parameter for Band M3

VNP43D08 is a decommissioned Version 1 data product providing the volumetric model parameter for the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and Albedo for the Suomi NPP VIIRS sensor's M3 band (0.488 μm). It is produced daily using a 16-day temporal composite at a 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) global Climate Modeling Grid resolution, with data weighted to the ninth day. This single-layer file is part of a larger suite of BRDF parameters designed for use in climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Deriving surface albedo for climate models based on the volumetric BRDF parameter for the 0.488 μm band.
• Analyzing temporal changes in land surface anisotropy using daily composites built from 16 days of observations.
• Inputting pre-processed BRDF parameters into land surface or energy balance models that use the Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).
• Studying the impact of aerosol contamination on BRDF retrievals, as noted in the known issues regarding the VNP09 high aerosol flag.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) suitable for climate simulations.
• Offers a specific, high-level model parameter (volumetric) derived from 16 days of VIIRS data at a consistent 30 arc-second resolution.
• Is part of a well-documented product suite with methodology detailed in an Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD).

Limitations

• The Version 1 product was officially decommissioned on July 31, 2025, and users are directed to newer Version 2 products.
• Metadata for specific columns, file size, and row counts is unavailable across all sources.
• Contains a known data quality issue where an abnormally high aerosol flag in an upstream product reduces the number of acceptable observations used in its generation.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data processed through the VNP43 BRDF/Albedo algorithm.

Time Range

Daily production, utilizing a rolling 16-day data composite.

Freshness

2026-04-09 20:41:53.537452

Geography

Global