While frequently used in temperate environments, hyperspectral sensors and data are still a novelty in the tropics. Exploring the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing for assessing ecosystem characteristics, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Forests focuses on the complex and unique set of challenges involved in using this technology and the data it provides.
Special Features
Experts from Diverse Backgrounds Share Their Successes
The book explores a range of analysis techniques, including hyperspectral reflectance indices, spectral mixture analysis, pattern classification, band selection, partial least-squares, linear discriminant analysis, and radiative transfer models. The chapter authors present a comprehensive review of the current status and innovative achievements in the field, citing approximately six hundred studies. As illustrated by the diverse backgrounds of the contributors, the most successful use of hyperspectral data requires a multidisciplinary approach spanning a wide range of fields.
Go Beyond the Basics to Actual Application
Although it begins by touching on the basics, this book is not a tutorial in remote sensing, but a reference that illustrates the potential applications and analysis techniques that can be used when facing the unique challenge of working in the tropics. It presents real-world examples and a suite of analysis techniques for using hyperspectral remote sensing in complex and diverse regions.
Tropical Dry Forest Phenology and Discrimination of Tropical Tree Species Using Hyperspectral Data, K.L. Castro-Esau and M. Kalacska
Remote Sensing and Plant Functional Groups: Physiology, Ecology, and Spectroscopy in Tropical Systems, M. Alvarez-Añorve, M. Quesada, and E. de la Barrera
Hyperspectral Data for Assessing Carbon Dynamics and Biodiversity of Forests, R. Lucas, A. Mitchell, and P. Bunting
Effect of Soil Type on Plant Growth, Leaf Nutrient/Chlorophyll Concentration, and Leaf Reflectance of Tropical Tree and Grass Species, J.C. Calvo-Alvarado, M. Kalacska, G.A. Sanchez-Azofeifa, and L.S. Bell
Spectral Expression of Gender: A Pilot Study with Two Dioecious Neotropical Tree Species, J.P. Arroyo-Mora, M. Kalacska, B.L. Caraballo, J.E. Trujillo, and O. Vargas
Species Classification of Tropical Tree Leaf Reflectance and Dependence on Selection of Spectral Bands, B. Rivard, G.A. Sanchez-Azofeifa, S. Foley, and J.C. Calvo-Alvarado
Discriminating Sirex noctilio Attack in Pine Forest Plantations in South Africa Using High Spectral Resolution Data, R. Ismail, O. Mutanga, and F. Ahmed
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Exposed Wood and Deciduous Trees in Seasonal Tropical Forests, S. Bohlman
Assessing Recovery Following Selective Logging of Lowland Tropical Forests Based on Hyperspectral Imagery, J.P. Arroyo-Mora, M. Kalacska, R.L. Chazdon, D.L. Civco, G. Obando-Vargas, and A.A. Sanchún Hernández
A Technique for Reflectance Calibration of Airborne Hyperspectral Spectrometer Data Using a Broad, Multiband Radiometer, T. Miura, A.R. Huete, L.G. Ferreira, E.E. Sano, and H. Yoshioka
Assessment of Phenologic Variability in Amazon Tropical Rainforests Using Hyperspectral Hyperion and MODIS Satellite Data, A.R. Huete, Y. Kim, P. Ratana, K. Didan, Y.E. Shimabukuro, and T. Miura
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Canopy Chemistry, Physiology, and Biodiversity in Tropical Rainforests, G.P. Asner
Tropical Remote Sensing —Opportunities and Challenges, J.A. Gamon Index
"...primary strength of this book is the diverse array of contributing authors that represent the state-of-the-art in hyperspectral remote sensing...an excellent job of describing the opportunities and challenges that exist for tropical remote sensing...an enormous contribution to the hyperspectral remote sensing community and fills a knowledge void for ecologists and conservationists...helps consolidate knowledge and will stimulate creative and insightful thinking..."
—Steven R. Schill, Senior Scientist, The Nature Conservancy, San Jose, Costa Rica in Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, Vol. 75, No. 2, February 2009