VNP43D17: Volumetric BRDF Parameter for VIIRS Band M7

Suomi NPP VIIRS satellite data provides a single volumetric model parameter for the 0.865 μm band, used to calculate surface reflectance anisotropy and albedo. This daily product is generated from a 16-day rolling window of observations, weighted to the central day, and is projected on a global 1-kilometer Climate Modeling Grid. The dataset is part of a larger suite where each of three BRDF parameters for multiple spectral bands is stored in a separate file.

Use Cases

• Deriving surface albedo for climate models based on the volumetric BRDF parameter for the 0.865 μm near-infrared band.
• Analyzing temporal changes in land surface anisotropy using the daily, 16-day composite data product.
• Inputting BRDF model parameters into radiative transfer calculations for the VIIRS sensor suite.
• Studying the impact of aerosol contamination on BRDF retrievals, as noted in the known issues.

Strengths

• Provides a specific, foundational parameter (volumetric) for BRDF modeling at a consistent 1,000-meter global resolution.
• Data is temporally composited daily from a 16-day window to reduce noise and cloud cover gaps.
• Part of a standardized, multi-platform NASA product suite designed for climate modeling grids.

Limitations

• This Version 1 product was officially decommissioned on July 31, 2025, directing users to newer versions.
• Metadata for row count, file size, and specific columns is unavailable or conflicting across sources.
• Known issues include reduced data quality due to overly activated aerosol flags in upstream source products.

Provenance

Source

NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP satellite, Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor.

Collection Method

Processed daily using a BRDF/albedo algorithm applied to 16 days of VIIRS observations.

Time Range

Daily production, with data temporally weighted to the ninth day of a 16-day composite.

Freshness

2026-04-09 20:52:41.363592

Geography

Global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).