LARS Tech Report Number
073184
Abstract
Comparisons of the spectral response for incomplete (well-defined row structure) and complete (overlapping row structure) canopies indicated a greater dependence on sun and view geometry for the incomplete canopies. This effect was more pronounced for the highly absorptive red (0.6--0.7µm) wavelength band than for the near-IR (0.8--1.1µm) based on relative reflectance factor changes.
Red and near-IR reflectance for the incomplete canopy decreased as solar zenith angle increased for a nadir view angle until the soil between the plant rows was completely shaded. Thereafter for increasing solar zenith angle, the red reflectance leveled off and the near-IR reflectance increased. A "hot spot" effect was evident for the red and near-IR reflectance factors, especially when the sun-sensor view directions were perpendicular to the rows. The "hot spot" effect was more pronounced for the red band based on relative reflectance value changes. The effect of sun angle was more pronounced for view angles perpendicular to the row direction.
An analysis of the ratios of off-nadir to nadir acquired data revealed that off-nadir red band reflectance factors more closely approximated straightdown measurements for time periods away from solar noon. Near-IR and greenness responses showed similar behavior. Normalized difference generally approximated straightdown measurements during the middle portion of the day. An exception occurred near solar noon when sunlit bare soil was present in the scene.
Date of this Version
January 1984