Geometric-optical modeling with MISR over the Kola Peninsula

This study presents the results of a geometric-optical canopy reflectance model inversion experiment for canopy mapping in the taiga-tundra transition landscapes of the Kola Peninsula, Russia. The approach exploits red wavelength multi-angle reflectance factor data provided by NASA´s Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), with its nine cameras. Results were assessed with respect to reference data for 53 sites obtained by analysis of very high resolution imagery. Crown cover was retrieved accurately (RMSE= 0.04, R²= 0.65), with mean canopy height somewhat less so (RMSE= 1.9 m, R²= 0.54).