VNP13C1: Global Vegetation Indices from VIIRS Satellite

VIIRS/NPP Vegetation Indices 16-Day L3 Global 0.05Deg CMG V001 is a decommissioned satellite data product providing global vegetation indices. It offers three primary indices—Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Enhanced Vegetation Index-2 (EVI2)—along with associated reflectance and quality layers. The data is composited from the best available pixels over a 16-day period at a 0.05-degree resolution.

Use Cases

• Monitoring global vegetation health and phenology based on NDVI, EVI, and EVI2 time series.
• Assessing canopy cover and chlorophyll content by comparing the sensitivities of different vegetation indices.
• Conducting continuity studies with MODIS vegetation products, as the dataset was designed for Earth Observation System mission continuity.
• Analyzing surface reflectance properties using the included red, blue, green, NIR, and SWIR reflectance layers.

Strengths

• Provides a long-term, continual remotely sensed time series, specifically noted for NDVI.
• Includes three distinct vegetation indices (NDVI, EVI, EVI2) with complementary sensitivities to canopy structure and chlorophyll.
• Offers global coverage at a consistent 0.05-degree spatial resolution.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData signals established importance and use.

Limitations

• The dataset (Version 1) was officially decommissioned on April 8, 2025, and users are directed to use Version 2 products.
• Column names and specific data volume (rows, size) are not provided in any source, limiting technical assessment.
• Metadata completeness is inconsistent across platforms, with conflicts in license and last updated date (2024 vs 2026).

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) / NOAA Suomi NPP satellite.

Collection Method

Derived from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor data, processed using an algorithm that selects the best available pixel over a 16-day period.

Freshness

Last updated dates conflict: 2026-04-09 on Data.gov vs 2024-06-08 on NASA EarthData.

Geography

Global