VNP43D08: VIIRS BRDF Volumetric Parameter for Band M3

NASA/NOAA's Suomi NPP VIIRS VNP43D08 product provides the volumetric parameter for Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function modeling at a 30 arc-second global resolution. This daily product synthesizes 16 days of observations, temporally weighted to the ninth day, for use in climate simulation grids. It specifically targets the M3 band at 0.488 μm, alongside isotropic and geometric parameters to derive surface albedo.

Use Cases

• Deriving land surface albedo values for VIIRS band M3 based on the volumetric BRDF parameter.
• Inputting BRDF model parameters into global climate simulation models using the Climate Modeling Grid.
• Analyzing temporal changes in surface reflectance anisotropy using daily, 16-day composite data.
• Studying the reflectance properties of specific land cover types at a 1,000-meter resolution.

Strengths

• Provides a specific volumetric parameter for a key VIIRS spectral band (M3 at 0.488 μm).
• Offers daily, global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution.
• Integrates 16 days of data for temporal stability, with improvements noted in calibration and geolocation.

Limitations

• Column names and exact data structure are unknown from all sources.
• Each file contains only one data layer due to large file size, limiting immediate multi-band analysis.
• Known issues exist, requiring users to consult an external website for complete details.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Daily production using 16 days of VIIRS data, applying BRDF/albedo modeling algorithms.

Time Range

Daily temporal coverage, with data weighted to the ninth day of a 16-day composite.

Freshness

Last updated on 2026-04-09 according to two platforms.

Geography

Global coverage via a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).