VNP43D43: VIIRS/NPP Daily BRDF Albedo Valid Observations for Band M2

NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP VIIRS VNP43D43 provides a daily global layer of valid observation quality for Band M2, derived from a 16-day rolling window of data at 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution. The product is part of the BRDF/Albedo suite formatted on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) for use in climate simulation models. It contains a single data layer representing the quality of observations across the retrieval period for this specific spectral band.

Use Cases

• Assessing data quality for BRDF/Albedo retrievals in climate models based on the valid observation quality layer.
• Analyzing temporal consistency of surface reflectance in the M2 spectral band using the 16-day rolling composite.
• Inputting pre-gridded, global land surface data into climate simulations based on the Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) format.
• Cross-referencing with downstream products like VNP13 Vegetation Indices, as improvements in aerosol flagging affect these retrievals.

Strengths

• Provides daily, global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second resolution suitable for climate-scale analysis.
• Integrates 16 days of observations, temporally weighted to the ninth day, to improve retrieval stability.
• Part of a systematically improved product suite with documented enhancements to calibration and geolocation.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low; specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are not provided across platforms.
• Contains only a single data layer per file, which may require combining multiple VNP43D products for a full analysis.
• Documentation for known issues is external, requiring users to consult a separate website for complete information.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Produced daily from the Suomi NPP satellite's VIIRS sensor using a 16-day data composite.

Time Range

Covers the entire Suomi NPP mission period, with daily updates.

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:16:14.996894

Geography

Global coverage on a Climate Modeling Grid (CMG).