Proportional estimates of cover are developed from global training data derived using high-resolution imagery. The training data and phenological metrics are used with a regression tree to derive percent cover globally. The model is then used to estimate areal proportions of life form, leaf type, and leaf longevity. The current V004 collection of the yearly MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF) product contains only percent tree cover, with the other layers to follow in later releases.
The data layers in the VCF product are generated on an annual basis from monthly composites of 500-m Surface Reflectance data. Compositing is based on the second darkest albedo to remove clouds and cloud shadow.

Product PI: John Townshend
PI-maintained product web page

 

See links below to the Product Description pages posted at the EDC DAAC (product details, data access links, user guides and more....)

Product Name

Vegetation Continuous Fields Yearly L3 Global 500m

Terra Product ID

MOD44B
Note: the VCF product  will not be available until summer of 2009

Aqua Product ID

 none

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Curator: Jaime Nickeson
NASA Official: Robert Wolfe
Last Updated: February 23, 2009