VNP43D21: VIIRS BRDF Geometric Parameter for Band M8

NASA/NOAA's Suomi NPP VNP43D21 dataset provides the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) geometric model parameter for VIIRS band M8 (1.240 μm). It is produced daily using 16 days of data at a 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution, temporally weighted to the ninth day, and formatted in a global Climate Modeling Grid (CMG). The geometric parameter, along with isotropic and volumetric parameters, is used to derive BRDF and albedo values for this specific spectral band.

Use Cases

• Deriving surface albedo for VIIRS band M8 based on the geometric BRDF model parameter.
• Inputting land surface anisotropy data into climate simulation models based on the global CMG format.
• Analyzing temporal changes in surface reflectance using daily, 16-day composite data.
• Cross-referencing BRDF parameters with other VIIRS bands (VNP43D01-VNP43D39) for multi-spectral studies.

Strengths

• Provides a specific, high-resolution (30 arc-second) parameter for a key VIIRS spectral band (M8 at 1.240 μm).
• Offers daily global coverage in a Climate Modeling Grid format designed for climate models.
• Part of a systematically produced suite (VNP43D) with documented improvements in calibration and geolocation.

Limitations

• The dataset contains only one data layer per file, requiring combination with other files (VNP43D01-VNP43D39) for full BRDF analysis.
• Metadata completeness is low; column names, row counts, and exact file sizes are unknown across all sources.
• Known issues exist, requiring users to consult external quality assessment websites.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Produced daily from Suomi NPP VIIRS sensor data using a 16-day composite algorithm.

Freshness

2026-03-12 20:06:42.210865

Geography

Global