VNP43D21: VIIRS BRDF Geometric Parameter for Band M8

VNP43D21 Version 1 is a decommissioned daily satellite data product providing the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) geometric model parameter for the VIIRS band M8 at 1.240 μm. It is produced using a 16-day rolling window of data at a 30 arc-second (approximately 1,000 meter) resolution, temporally weighted to the ninth day, and formatted for global climate modeling grids. The geometric parameter, alongside isotropic and volumetric parameters, is used to derive BRDF and albedo values for this specific near-infrared spectral band.

Use Cases

• Deriving surface albedo for climate models based on the geometric BRDF parameter.
• Analyzing land surface anisotropy and reflectance properties in the 1.240 μm spectral band.
• Integrating into time-series analyses of global surface radiative properties using daily, 16-day composite data.
• Studying the impact of aerosol contamination on BRDF/albedo product quality, as noted in known issues.

Strengths

• Provides a specific, physically meaningful parameter (geometric BRDF) for a defined spectral band (M8 at 1.240 μm).
• Offers global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second resolution suitable for climate modeling grids.
• Is part of a larger, well-documented product suite (VNP43D) with referenced methodology and algorithm documents.

Limitations

• The dataset is explicitly decommissioned (since July 31, 2025), directing users to newer Version 2 products.
• Metadata completeness is low; specific row counts, file sizes, and column details are unavailable across all sources.
• A known issue reduces data quality by affecting input observations due to high aerosol flag activation in upstream products.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Suomi NPP satellite.

Collection Method

Produced daily from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor data using a 16-day composite algorithm.

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:04:37.045159

Geography

Global