Retrieving Leaf Area Index (LAI) Using Remote Sensing: Theories, Methods and Sensors

• DOI: 10.3390/s90402719
• Publication Date: 2009-04-17T15:06:37Z
• Authors: Guang Zheng; L. Monika Moskal
• Keywords: Leaf area index (LAI); gap fraction; Chemical technology; terrestrial LiDAR; gap size; TP1-1185; Review; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; 15. Life on land; remote sensing; light detection and ranging (LiDAR); 0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries

The ability to accurately and rapidly acquire leaf area index (LAI) is an indispensable component of process-based ecological research facilitating the understanding gas-vegetation exchange phenomenon at array spatial scales from landscape. However, LAI difficult directly for large extents due its time consuming work intensive nature. Such efforts have been significantly improved by emergence optical active remote sensing techniques. This paper reviews definitions theories measurement with respect direct indirect methods. Then, methodologies retrieval regard characteristics a range remotely sensed datasets are discussed. Remote methods subdivided into two categories passive sensing, which further categorized as terrestrial, aerial satellite-born platforms. Due wide variety in resolution data requirements modeling, scaling issue discussed special consideration given extrapolation landscape regional levels.