VNP43D30: VIIRS Visible Band BRDF Geometric Parameter for Global Climate Models

Suomi NPP VIIRS satellite data provides a daily, 1000-meter resolution geometric parameter for the 0.64 μm visible band, essential for modeling surface reflectance anisotropy. This single-layer file is part of a 39-file suite covering isotropic, volumetric, and geometric parameters for multiple spectral bands, temporally weighted to represent a 16-day composite. The data is formatted on a global Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) specifically for integration into climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Deriving land surface albedo for climate models based on the geometric BRDF parameter in conjunction with isotropic and volumetric parameters.
• Analyzing surface anisotropy and reflectance changes over time using the daily, 16-day composite temporal weighting.
• Inputting pre-processed, climate-ready surface radiative properties into global Earth system models via the standardized CMG format.
• Studying visible broadband (0.64 μm) land surface interactions from satellite observations for phenology or land cover change.

Strengths

• Provides a specific model parameter (geometric) for a key visible broadband (0.64 μm) at a consistent 1000-meter (30 arc-second) spatial resolution.
• Offers daily global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid, designed explicitly for climate simulation use.
• Represents an updated version with cited improvements in calibration, geolocation accuracy, and aerosol flag corrections for the entire Suomi NPP mission.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: no column names, row counts, or file sizes are provided across any platform.
• The dataset is a single data layer; full BRDF/albedo analysis requires accessing multiple files from the VNP43D product suite (VNP43D01 through VNP43D39).
• Documentation for known issues is external, requiring users to visit a separate website for complete information.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) / NOAA Suomi NPP satellite, Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor.

Collection Method

Produced daily using 16 days of VIIRS data, temporally weighted to the ninth day. Methodology details are referenced to the VNP43MA1 product and an Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD).

Time Range

Covers the entire Suomi NPP mission; specific start date not provided.

Freshness

2026-04-09 (from datagov)

Geography

Global coverage.