VNP43D30: VIIRS BRDF Geometric Parameter for Visible Broadband

Global daily data provides the geometric model parameter for the Visible (0.64 μm) broadband, derived from 16 days of Suomi NPP VIIRS observations at 1,000-meter resolution. This parameter is part of a suite used to calculate Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and albedo values for climate simulation models. The product is formatted in a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) and is temporally weighted to the ninth day of the 16-day observation period.

Use Cases

• Deriving surface albedo for climate models based on the geometric BRDF parameter.
• Analyzing land surface anisotropy and reflectance properties over time.
• Inputting pre-processed BRDF parameters into ecosystem or carbon cycle models.
• Studying the impact of aerosols on surface reflectance retrievals, as noted in known issues.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage in a standardized Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).
• Offers daily production with a consistent 30 arc-second (1,000m) spatial resolution.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData signals its established use in the scientific community.

Limitations

• This Version 1 product was decommissioned on July 31, 2025, limiting its use for current analysis.
• Metadata for size, row count, and specific columns is unavailable across all sources.
• Known issues exist, such as reduced data quality 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 16 days of VIIRS sensor data using a BRDF/albedo model.

Freshness

Last updated metadata indicates 2026-04-09, but the underlying data product is decommissioned.

Geography

Global