VNP43D12: VIIRS BRDF Geometric Parameter for Band M4

VIIRS/NPP BRDF/Albedo Parameter 3 Band M4 Daily L3 Global 30 ArcSec CMG V001 was decommissioned on July 31, 2025, with users directed to newer Version 2 products. This dataset provides the geometric model parameter for the 0.555 μm (M4) band, one of three parameters required to derive Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function and albedo values. It is produced daily using a 16-day rolling window of observations, temporally weighted to the ninth day and gridded at a 30 arc-second (approximately 1,000 meter) resolution on a global Climate Modeling Grid.

Use Cases

• Deriving land surface albedo for climate models based on the geometric BRDF parameter for the green spectral band.
• Analyzing temporal changes in surface anisotropy using the daily, 16-day composite time series.
• Inputting BRDF parameters into ecosystem or energy balance models that rely on the VIIRS M4 band reflectance.
• Studying global land surface radiative properties at a 1-km resolution within a Climate Modeling Grid framework.

Strengths

• Provides a foundational, single-parameter layer for BRDF/albedo derivation at a consistent 30 arc-second global resolution.
• Represents a daily composite product using 16 days of data to improve observation coverage and reduce gaps.
• Part of a well-documented product suite with methodology detailed in an Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document.

Limitations

• This Version 1 product is decommissioned and should not be used for new research, creating a critical version conflict.
• Known issues exist, including reduced input observations due to an upstream high aerosol flag problem in Collection 1 data.
• Metadata on specific columns, row counts, and file sizes is unavailable across all sources.

Provenance

Source

NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS)

Collection Method

Produced daily from satellite observations, using a BRDF model algorithm applied to 16 days of data.

Time Range

Daily composites, but specific date range not provided.

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:17:05.688818

Geography

Global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).