The use of airborne optical spectrometer data in snow cover monitoring

In this study the usability of optical airborne spectrometer data in snow cover monitoring is examined and discussed. Snow-covered area (SCA) estimation, specifically during the spring melt period, is important both for hydrological forecasting and climatological studies. The results of this study are used in accuracy assessment and further development of the Finnish Environment Institute´s satellite data-based SCA-algorithm. The algorithm applies an empirical reflectance model that describes the reflectance from target area as a function of forest, snow and bare ground reflectance, SCA and average forest transmissivity.