Linear unmixing of MODIS albedo composites to infer subpixel land cover type albedos

► We studied the use of forestry and land cover maps to infer subpixel albedos from MODIS albedo composites by linear unmixing. ► The estimated albedos of different land cover classes had low prediction errors and were fairly consistent with the ones of pure pixels and those measured in field. ► After the initial young stand phase, forest albedo was mainly determined by tree species. ► The method could be used to estimate average albedos for known vegetation types in areas with fragmented vegetation cover.