VNP43D29: BRDF Volumetric Parameter for VIIRS Visible Broadband

Global daily data provides the volumetric parameter for the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) model for the VIIRS visible broadband (0.64 μm). This parameter, combined with isotropic and geometric parameters, is used to derive BRDF and albedo values for land surfaces. The dataset is produced daily using a 16-day temporal composite at a 30 arc-second (approximately 1,000 meter) resolution.

Use Cases

• Climate simulation modeling based on the Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) global coverage.
• Deriving land surface albedo values based on the volumetric BRDF parameter.
• Analyzing surface anisotropy and reflectance changes over time based on daily production with a 16-day composite.
• Assessing calibration improvements for the Suomi NPP mission based on documented algorithm updates.

Strengths

• Provides a specific model parameter (volumetric) for the VIIRS visible broadband (0.64 μm).
• Offers global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) for use in climate models.
• Is produced daily with a 16-day temporal composite, providing a weighted snapshot.
• Includes documented improvements such as a better calibration algorithm and geolocation accuracy fixes.

Limitations

• The dataset likely contains only one data layer per file due to stated large file sizes.
• Metadata completeness is low; specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are unknown.
• Documentation for known issues is external, requiring users to visit a separate website.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Produced from NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP satellite VIIRS sensor data.

Time Range

Daily production suggests coverage from the Suomi NPP mission start date onward.

Freshness

2026-03-12 19:56:12.368033

Geography

Global