The MODIS land cover product: multi-attribute mapping of global vegetation and land cover properties from time series MODIS data

Data from MODIS provide a rich source of information for vegetation and land cover mapping applications. In particular, multi-spectral and multi-temporal information supplied by MODIS allows a variety of vegetation properties to be mapped and monitored at global scales in a fashion that was not previously possible. We describe the algorithms and databases being used to produce the MODIS global land cover parameter, focusing particular attention on the suite of vegetation properties that are being mapped from MODIS data as part of this product. Specifically, we describe a set of internally consistent maps, each depicting different vegetation attributes that have wide utility for studies of ecosystem dynamics at continental to global scales. The set of parameters being mapped include permanence of above ground biomass, leaf longevity, leaf type, and phenologic dynamics, among others. The methodology used to create these maps exploits a database of site data that includes detailed information related to ecosystem properties at global scales. To illustrate the utility and information content of the maps being produced from MODIS data, specific examples at regional scales that include a range of climate and ecosystem types are presented.