VNP43D12: VIIRS BRDF Geometric Parameter for Band M4

Daily global data provides the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) geometric parameter for the VIIRS satellite's M4 band (0.555 μm), using a 16-day rolling window weighted to the ninth day. This single-layer product is part of a suite of model parameters designed for climate simulation models, delivered on a 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) Climate Modeling Grid (CMG). The geometric parameter, alongside isotropic and volumetric parameters, is used to derive BRDF and albedo values for the green visible wavelength.

Use Cases

• Climate model parameterization based on the daily, global Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) data.
• Deriving land surface albedo values for the green band (0.555 μm) using the geometric parameter in conjunction with isotropic and volumetric parameters.
• Analyzing surface anisotropy and reflectance patterns over a 16-day composite period.
• Studying land surface changes using temporally weighted data centered on the ninth day of a 16-day window.

Strengths

• Provides a specific model parameter (geometric) for a defined spectral band (VIIRS M4 at 0.555 μm).
• Offers daily global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution.
• Part of a systematically produced suite (VNP43D01-VNP43D39) with documented methodology and known issue tracking.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: column names, row counts, and file sizes are unknown across all sources.
• Each product file contains only one data layer, requiring combination with other files for full BRDF/albedo derivation.
• The 'last updated' date conflicts between sources (2026-03-12 and 2026-04-09), suggesting potential metadata inconsistency.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Daily production using a 16-day data window.

Freshness

2026-04-09 20:41:27.138534

Geography

Global coverage (Climate Modeling Grid).