Leaf Area Index
Satellite(s)
Multiple. | Monitoring elementSurface reflectance of multispectral near-infrared and red bands. |
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Description techniqueLeaf Area Index 4 daily 500 m. | Accuracy / ResolutionResolution is 1.5 arc minutes (approximately 4.5 km). |
Case studyWesterhoff et al (2018) used MODIS-based LAI estimates as one of the datasets in their recharge model to incorporate the effect of vegetation transpiration. | |
Also fits domainLand. | |
Benefits8-daily, free. Pre-processed to LAI with standardized, accepted guideline document. | LimitationsSteep learning curve for a non-satellite expert, e.g., using the Google Earth Engine requires some investment in time. |
Applicability for NorthlandYes, applicable as regionwide dynamic coverage of vegetation properties for use in hydrologic modeling. Techniques applying optical data will be limited in coverage and temporal granularity by the persistent cloud cover in the region, particularly during the winter months. Mature cloud-masking techniques are directly available for open access multispectral data (e.g. Landsat and Sentinel-2). When using commercial data, care must be taken to ensure that there is sufficiently cloud free imagery available, as cloud masking is not as mature, and ordering a large volume of imagery to ensure complete cloud free coverage between multiple observations can become cost prohibitive. | |
Publication referencesKobayashi, T., Ono, Y., Kobayashi, H., Yang, W. (June. 2020). GCOM-C/SGLI Leaf Area Index (LAI)/ fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR) Product Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (Version 2). https://suzaku.eorc.jaxa.jp/GCOM_C/data/ATBD/ver2/V2ATBD_T2B_LAI_Kobayashi_r1.pdf Westerhoff, R., White, P., Rawlinson, Z., 2018. Incorporation of Satellite Data and Uncertainty in a Nationwide Groundwater Recharge Model in New Zealand. Remote Sensing 10, 58. | |
Other comments or informationDataset available from 2020 - present. The provider has released a schedule for the reprocessing of entire backlog: | |
Other references or linkshttps://developers.google.com/earth-engine/datasets/catalog/JAXA_GCOM-C_L3_LAND_LAI_V2 |