VNP43D67: VIIRS White-Sky Albedo for Band M1

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite produces daily global white-sky albedo maps for the VIIRS M1 band (0.412 μm) at 1,000-meter resolution. Each VNP43D67 file is a single data layer within a Climate Modeling Grid, synthesized from 16 days of observations weighted to the ninth day. This dataset supports climate simulation models by providing a measure of bihemispherical reflectance, defined as albedo in the absence of a direct solar component.

Use Cases

• Climate model parameterization based on the daily, global Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) data.
• Analyzing land surface reflectance anisotropy using the provided white-sky albedo (WSA) values.
• Monitoring changes in surface albedo over time using the daily product synthesized from 16-day data windows.
• Comparing albedo values across spectral bands, as the product suite includes data for nine VIIRS moderate resolution bands and the Day/Night Band.

Strengths

• Provides daily global coverage at a consistent 30 arc-second (1,000 meter) resolution.
• Incorporates improved calibration algorithms and geolocation accuracy for the entire Suomi NPP mission.
• Designed specifically for use in climate simulation models via the Climate Modeling Grid format.

Limitations

• Each product file contains only one data layer due to large file sizes, limiting immediate multi-band analysis.
• Known issues exist and require consultation of an external MODIS/VIIRS Land Quality Assessment website.
• Metadata completeness is low; specific column names, row counts, and exact license details are not provided.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Produced daily from 16 days of Suomi NPP VIIRS satellite data, temporally weighted to the ninth day.

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:02:02.779970

Geography

Global