VNP43DNBA1: VIIRS DNB BRDF/Albedo Model Parameters

Global satellite data provides Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and Albedo model parameters at a 1-kilometer resolution. The product is generated daily using a 16-day rolling window of VIIRS Day/Night Band data, applying the RossThick/Li-Sparse-Reciprocal (RTLSR) kernel-driven model to derive parameters (fiso, fvol, fgeo) for correcting surface reflectance anisotropy. It supports the continuity of NASA's MODIS BRDF/Albedo product suite for land surface radiative property studies.

Use Cases

• Correcting directional reflectance to a common view geometry using BRDF model parameters.
• Estimating black-sky albedo at any solar illumination angle via polynomial functions.
• Calculating instantaneous actual (blue-sky) albedo from integrated black-sky and white-sky albedo layers.
• Analyzing temporal trends in surface anisotropy for continuity with MODIS data products.

Strengths

• Provides a specific spatial resolution of 1 kilometer.
• Uses a defined 16-day temporal composite window weighted to the ninth day for stability.
• Implements a documented, semi-empirical RTLSR BRDF model for parameter derivation.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA and government data portals indicates established use.

Limitations

• The Version 1 product was decommissioned on July 31, 2025, limiting its utility for current work.
• Key metadata such as row count, file size, and specific column names are unavailable.
• Documentation references external Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents (ATBDs) which may not be directly included.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Daily production, but specific start and end dates for the data record are not provided.

Freshness

2026-04-09 20:59:45.830499

Geography

Global