Tree architecture in remote sensing analytical models: The Bray experiment
Résumé
An in-depth analysis of remotely sensed data requires the development of theoretical models that predict the physical signals obtained from the vegetation and the soil. Where possible, validation of these models is also required and so far this has been limited. The effort needed to collect and analyse extensive field data is one of the principal reasons for the shortage of models/data comparisons. It has emerged that the introduction of actual measurements into models has become necessary in order to improve the accuracy of the simulation results. This is also the case for each area of research using physical models that utilize description of the canopy (physiology, micrometeorology, etc.). An experiment with the aim of collecting an exhaustive dataset on the structure of the maritime pine was thus undertaken. Discussing the contrasting viewpoints of physicists and physiologists on canopy modelling proved to be very valuable given the diversity of approaches towards tree architecture. This paper sets out to show the key results of this experiment and to display the first conclusions regarding physical modelling in remote sensing studies.