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 are further refined through post-processing that incorporates prior knowledge and ancillary information. The product also includes additional land cover property layers based on the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). Each dataset file contains layers for Land Cover Types 1-5, Land Cover Properties 1-3, Land Cover Property Assessments 1-3, a Land Cover Quality Control (QC) layer, and a Land-Water Mask.