Mapping Global Vegetation and Land Cover Properties from MODIS

Data from MODIS provide a rich source of information for vegetation and land cover mapping applications. In particular, the multispectral and multitemporal 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. In this paper, we describe the algorithms and databases being used to produce the MODIS global land cover parameter, focusing particular attention on a suite of vegetation properties that complement more traditional land cover maps derived from remote sensing. 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. The relationship between these maps and more traditional maps based on conventional classification systems, such as the IGBP scheme, will also be discussed. To illustrate the utility and information content of the maps being produced by MODIS specific examples at regional scales that include a range of climate and ecosystem types are presented.