dataset · Global
MODIS Terra and Aqua Land Cover Type Yearly Global 500m
The MODIS Terra and Aqua MCD12Q1 Version 6.1 product provides global land cover classification at yearly intervals. The dataset is generated using supervised classifications of combined MODIS Terra and Aqua reflectance data. Land cover types are derived from multiple classification schemes, including the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), University of Maryland (UMD), Leaf Area Index (LAI), BIOME-Biogeochemical Cycles (BGC), and Plant Functional Types (PFT). The classifications
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Licence: other
Evidence quality: 38.2
Listed in cdse-stac public catalogue API on 2026-10-16; relevance/value screened (haiku).
Metadata checked: 2026-10-14T13:20:00.000Z
What's in it
- Data offered docs-verified
- Land Cover Types 1-5 · Land Cover Properties 1-3 · Land Cover Property Assessments 1-3 · Land Cover Quality Control (QC) flags · Land-Water Mask
- Coverage docs-verified
- Global · 2001-01-01 onwards (open-ended)
- Resolution docs-verified
- 500 m spatial
- Update frequency docs-verified
- yearly
- Formats docs-verified
- HDF
- Access llm-inferred
- Licence 'other' (LP DAAC data citation and policies). Data assets use OIDC and S3 authentication via Copernicus Data Space (CDSE); CREODIAS S3 is requester-pays.
Useful for
- Use cases llm-inferred
- Regional land-cover baseline for catchment runoff and land-use inputs in flood risk assessments · Coarse land-cover context for habitat and Biodiversity Net Gain baseline screening · Land-use and land-cover characterisation for drainage catchment screening and planning studies
- Audience llm-inferred
- flood consultants · hydrologists · ecologists · GIS analysts · planners
Limitations
- Constraints llm-inferred
- 500 m resolution is too coarse for site-scale work · Global dataset with no UK-specific tuning stated · Yearly product, so not suited to near-real-time land-cover change · Data access requires CDSE/CREODIAS authentication · CREODIAS S3 storage is requester-pays · Non-standard 'other' licence requires citation under LP DAAC policies
Evidence
Check upstream coverage, uncertainty and licence before use. Station observations are not forecasts or design levels.