VNP43C2: Daily Global Snow-Free BRDF Model Parameters for Climate Models

NASA/NOAA's Suomi NPP VIIRS sensor provides daily global BRDF model parameters at a 0.05-degree resolution, derived from a 16-day moving window of snow-free observations. The dataset includes 39 to 43 layers containing the three RossThick/Li-Sparse-Reciprocal model parameters (fiso, fvol, fgeo) for 13 spectral bands, including the Day/Night Band and broadbands. These parameters are foundational for generating downstream albedo and nadir-adjusted reflectance products used in climate simulation models.

Use Cases

• Calculating surface albedo for climate models based on the supplied BRDF weighting parameters.
• Producing Nadir BRDF-Adjusted Reflectance (NBAR) for land cover studies using the model parameters.
• Assessing land surface anisotropy and radiative properties across 13 VIIRS spectral bands.
• Incorporating quality-controlled, snow-free surface reflectance inputs into temporal fitting efforts for global studies.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage at a consistent 0.05-degree (5,600m) Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) resolution.
• Includes ancillary layers for uncertainty, quality, local solar noon, and input resolution to support data assessment.
• Derived from a multi-day (16-day) retrieval window to improve parameter stability, emphasizing the ninth day.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low; specific row counts, column names, and exact file sizes are not provided across sources.
• One source lists 39 layers while another mentions 43 variables, indicating a potential conflict in the exact data structure.
• Relies on snow-free acquisitions, which may limit data availability or representativeness in permanently snow-covered or seasonally snowy regions.

Provenance

Source

NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP satellite, Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor.

Collection Method

Derived from the 30 arc second CMG VNP43D Version 2 product suite using temporal fitting supplemented with spatial fitting and smoothing.

Time Range

Daily generation, but the specific start date of the time series is not provided.

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:03:36.803640

Geography

Global coverage.