Page Summary
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This dataset, MCD18A1 Version 6.1, provides daily Downward Shortwave Radiation (DSR) estimates at 1 kilometer resolution with 3-hour intervals.
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DSR is incident solar radiation important for land-surface models.
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The dataset is based on a prototyping algorithm using MODIS data and a look-up table approach considering aerosols, clouds, and geometry.
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This dataset has been superseded by MODIS/062/MCD18A1.
- Dataset Availability
- 2000-02-24T00:00:00Z–2024-06-01T00:00:00Z
- Dataset Provider
- NASA LP DAAC at the USGS EROS Center
- Cadence
- 1 Day
- Tags
Description
The MCD18A1 Version 6.1 is a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra and Aqua combined Downward Shortwave Radiation (DSR) gridded Level 3 product produced daily at 1 kilometer pixel resolution with estimates of DSR every 3 hours. DSR is incident solar radiation over land surfaces in the shortwave spectrum (300-4,000 nanometers) and is an important variable in land-surface models that address a variety of scientific and application issues. The MCD18 products are based on a prototyping algorithm that uses multi-temporal signatures of MODIS data to derive surface reflectance and then calculate incident DSR using the look-up table (LUT) approach. The LUTs consider different types of loadings of aerosols and clouds at a variety of illumination/viewing geometry. Global DSR products are generated from MODIS and geostationary satellite data. Additional details regarding the methodology used to create the data are available in the Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document .
Bands
Pixel Size 500 meters
Bands
DSR
Instantaneous total DSR at MODIS overpass
Direct
Instantaneous direct DSR at MODIS overpass
Diffuse
Instantaneous diffuse DSR at MODIS overpass
GMT_0000_DSR
Total DSR at GMT 00:00
GMT_0300_DSR
Total DSR at GMT 03:00
GMT_0600_DSR
Total DSR at GMT 06:00
GMT_0900_DSR
Total DSR at GMT 09:00
GMT_1200_DSR
Total DSR at GMT 12:00
GMT_1500_DSR
Total DSR at GMT 15:00
GMT_1800_DSR
Total DSR at GMT 18:00
GMT_2100_DSR
Total DSR at GMT 21:00
DSR_Quality
Quality flag
Terms of Use
Terms of Use
MODIS data and products acquired through the LP DAAC have no restrictions on subsequent use, sale, or redistribution.
Citations
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Please visit LP DAAC 'Citing Our Data' page for information on citing LP DAAC datasets.
DOIs
Explore with Earth Engine
Code Editor (JavaScript)
var dataset = ee . ImageCollection ( 'MODIS/061/MCD18A1' ) . filter ( ee . Filter . date ( '2000-01-01' , '2001-01-01' )); var gmt_1200_dsr = dataset . select ( 'GMT_1200_DSR' ); var gmt_1200_dsr_vis = { min : 0 , max : 350 , palette : [ '0f17ff' , 'b11406' , 'f1ff23' ], }; Map . setCenter ( 6.746 , 46.529 , 2 ); Map . addLayer ( gmt_1200_dsr , gmt_1200_dsr_vis , 'Total dsr at GMT 12:00' );
