AI-generated Key Takeaways
-
The MCD18C2 Version 6.2 dataset provides daily estimates of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) every 3 hours, derived from combined MODIS Terra and Aqua data.
-
This gridded Level 3 product has a spatial resolution of 0.05 degrees (approximately 5,600 meters at the equator) and covers the period from February 24, 2000, to March 1, 2010.
-
The dataset, available through NASA LP DAAC and accessible via Google Earth Engine, includes eight bands representing total PAR at 3-hour intervals throughout the day.
-
The MODIS data and products are freely available without restrictions on subsequent use, sale, or redistribution.
-
This dataset uses a look-up table (LUT) approach to calculate incident PAR based on multi-temporal MODIS data, considering different aerosol and cloud loadings.

- Dataset Availability
- 2000-02-24T00:00:00Z–2025-09-01T00:00:00Z
- Dataset Provider
- NASA LP DAAC at the USGS EROS Center
- Cadence
- 1 Day
- Tags
Description
The MCD18C2 Version 6.2 is a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra and Aqua combined Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) gridded Level 3 product produced daily at 0.05 degree (5,600 meters at the equator) resolution with estimates of PAR every 3 hours. PAR is incident solar radiation in the visible spectrum (400-700 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 PAR 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 PAR 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
Name | Pixel Size | Description |
---|---|---|
GMT_0000_PAR |
meters | Total PAR at GMT 00:00 |
GMT_0300_PAR |
meters | Total PAR at GMT 03:00 |
GMT_0600_PAR |
meters | Total PAR at GMT 06:00 |
GMT_0900_PAR |
meters | Total PAR at GMT 09:00 |
GMT_1200_PAR |
meters | Total PAR at GMT 12:00 |
GMT_1500_PAR |
meters | Total PAR at GMT 15:00 |
GMT_1800_PAR |
meters | Total PAR at GMT 18:00 |
GMT_2100_PAR |
meters | Total PAR at GMT 21:00 |
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
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/062/MCD18C2') .filter(ee.Filter.date('2001-01-01', '2001-02-01')); var gmt_1200_par = dataset.select('GMT_1200_PAR'); var gmt_1200_par_vis = { min: -236, max: 316, palette: ['0f17ff', 'b11406', 'f1ff23'], }; Map.setCenter(6.746, 46.529, 2); Map.addLayer( gmt_1200_par, gmt_1200_par_vis, 'Total PAR at GMT 12:00');