Testing directional properties of a forest reflectance model

Abstract

A multiangular and multispectral forest reflectance model is tested using Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) data. A series of simulations have been carried out for three boreal forest stands from the BOREAS Southern Study Area in Canada. The results of simulation are compared to the PARABOLA and POLDER data on these stands. The comparisons have confirmed the ability of the new model to adequately simulate angular distribution. However, there seems to be a systematic overestimation of the near- and middle-infrared reflectance by the model in conifer stands when the leaf biophysical/biochemical parameters are either measured or determined by the inversion of the measured needle reflectance and transmittance spectra. Copyright 2001 by the American Geophysical Union.