Inversion of the PROFLAIR leaf-canopy reflectance model for retrieval of forest canopy parameters

The PROFLAIR (PROSPECT + FLAIR) model was used to invert hyperspectral (EO-1 Hyperion) data using a look up table (LUT) approach to retrieve canopy leaf area index (LAI), leaf chlorophyll content (C_a+b) and canopy integrated chlorophyll content (LAI × C_a+b) of a forest stand impacted by mine tailings pond discharge. The LUT was populated by simulating the model in forward mode using a space of realization generated using a specific distribution of input parameters based on a priori information obtained during a field campaign. Estimated parameters were then compared to field measurements. The results demonstrate a capacity to retrieve canopy LAI and leaf chlorophyll content across the site at accuracies similar to that reported by other wellknown radiative transfer models.