title: Forest reflectance modeling: theoretical aspects and applications.
abstract: Forest reflectance models are able to contribute to the interpretation of satellite images over forested areas. A multipurpose forest reflectance model, its basic ideas, model input and output options are briefly described. The possibility to apply the model in forest remote sensing is demonstrated through the following simulation examples: the age dependence of forest reflectance, the seasonal course of forest reflectance, defoliation effects on forest reflectance, sensitivity of chlorophyll and water indices with respect to leaf chlorophyll and water content, respectively, and uncertainties in these indices introduced by the variation in stand parameters. When used together with the atmospheric radiative transfer and sensor calibration models, the forest reflectance model is applicable in satellite-imagery-aided forest ecology and health assessment, forest inventory and management.
authors.affiliation: Tartu Observatory, Tartumaa, Estonia. nilson@aai.ee
authors.forename: Tiit
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nilson
authors.forename: Andres
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuusk
authors.forename: Mait
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Tõnu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lukk
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D018515:Plant Leaves; D018531:Spacecraft; D014197:Trees; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D014867:Water; D002734:Chlorophyll