A Directional Multispectral Forest Reflectance Model

The forest reflectance model by Nilson and Peterson has been extensively modified. Leaf optics model PROSPECT2, atmosphere radiative transfer model 6S, and homogeneous canopy reflectance model MCRM have been incorporated into the model. The new model works in the spectral region 400–2500 nm with the same set of input parameters. Any Sun and view directions are allowed. Sample calculations are compared to published data on the old black spruce stand of the BOREAS Southern Study Area. The new model is able to adequately simulate both the reflectance spectrum and angular distribution. The determination of the whole set of input parameters of the model is a difficult practical problem.