VNP43D38: VIIRS DNB BRDF Volumetric Parameter Daily Global 1km

VNP43D38 provides the volumetric parameter for the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) model for the VIIRS Day/Night Band at 0.7 μm. This daily product uses 16 days of data weighted to the ninth day, offering a 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution global Climate Modeling Grid. The volumetric parameter, alongside isotropic and geometric parameters, is used to derive BRDF and albedo values for nighttime visible light observations.

Use Cases

• Deriving nighttime land surface albedo based on the BRDF volumetric parameter.
• Incorporating low-light reflectance anisotropy into climate simulation models using the global Climate Modeling Grid.
• Analyzing temporal changes in surface reflectance properties using the daily, temporally-weighted product.
• Cross-calibrating or validating other satellite-derived albedo products with VIIRS DNB data.

Strengths

• Provides a specific model parameter (volumetric) for the VIIRS Day/Night Band (DNB) at 0.7 μm, enabling BRDF/albedo derivation.
• Offers global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1km) resolution on a Climate Modeling Grid.
• Includes improvements from a previous version, such as an improved calibration algorithm and better geolocation accuracy.

Limitations

• Column names and dataset size/row counts are unknown across all sources, limiting detailed structural understanding.
• The dataset contains only one data layer per file due to large file sizes, requiring multiple files for complete analysis.
• Metadata completeness is low; author, exact license, and precise update dates are inconsistently reported or null.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Produced daily from the Suomi NPP satellite's VIIRS instrument.

Time Range

Daily production, using a 16-day data window.

Freshness

2026-03-12 20:07:22.394719

Geography

Global