Forest structure from combined optical and microwave modeling and measurements

One sided leaf area index (LAI) and above ground woody biomass are important parameters for describing the function and productivity of forested ecosystems. It is well known that remotely sensed reflected solar radiation can be related to the LAI of a vegetation canopy. Recently, studies have demonstrated that synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can be used to estimate above ground standing biomass. The authors describe the development of algorithms for using optical and microwave data to infer LAI and biomass by using a forest succession model to simulate forest canopy parameters for use with optical and microwave remote sensing models. Models for canopy reflectances and backscatter coefficients were used separately to develop relationships with LAI and biomass, respectively. The algorithms were applied to Airborne Visible-InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) and AirSAR images over a forested area in central Maine, USA. The resultant images ate evaluated and combined into a map related to potential ecosystem productivity