Research

ESA GMES field campaigns (SPARC2004, SEN2FLEX2005, EAGLE2006)

Summary

The understanding of bio-geophysical parameter retrieval from multi-parameter optical and SAR data as well as the direct modelling of the underlying physical processes in forests and grassland remain challenging due to lack of appropriate observation data. In EAGLE2006 we propose to perform an intensive filed campaign using different airborne sensors - one radar, one optical sensor, one imaging microwave radiometer, and one flux airplane - for data acquisition and to collect extensive ground measurements simultaneously over one grassland (Cabauw) and two forest sites (Loobos & Speulderbos), in additional to acquisition of multi-angle and multi-sensor satellite data. Such a data set up is not available currently and is urgently needed for the development and validation of models and inversion algorithms for quantitative surface parameter estimation and process studies.

The understanding and quantification of bio-geophysical parameters of different vegetated surfaces is essential in the development of validated, global, interactive Earth system models for the prediction of global change accurately enough to assist policy makers in making sound decisions concerning the planning, sustainable use and management as well as conservation of water resources and environment. Multi-sensor remote sensing monitoring (using radar & optical data) are essential for the development and validation of models and retrieval algorithms for the above stated purposes.

The general purposes of the campaigns are:

1. Acquisition of simultaneous multi-angular and multi-sensor (from visible to microwave domain) data over a grassland and a forest
2. Advancement of process understanding in description of radiative and turbulent processes in land-atmosphere interactions
3. Validation of primary bio-geophysical parameters derived from satellite data using in-situ and airborne data
4. Improvement of soil moisture retrieval accuracy by synergy of multi-angular (L-band) SMOS and multi-angular C-band SAR/Optical-thermal observations.
5. Development of operational algorithms to extract land surface parameters and heat fluxes from the future EPS/MetOp mission
6. Development of physically based drought monitoring and prediction method (Hydro-climatologic modeling) on the basis of EPS/MetOp observations

In particular, these campaigns are required to address important specific programmatic needs of GMES Sentinel-1 and -2:

1. To assess the impact of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 sensor and mission characteristics for land applications (land use mapping, parameter retrieval) over forest and grassland
2. To provide a basis for the quantitative assessment of sensor or mission trade-off studies, e.g. spatial and radiometric resolution
3. To simulate Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 image products over the land (forest and grassland)