This dataset provides global clumping index (CI) data for 2006 derived from the MODIS Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) data product. Clumping index is a key structural parameter of plant canopies which represents the degree of foliage grouping within distinct canopy structures relative to a random distribution. The data are provided at substantially higher resolution (500-m) than existing clumping index data products.