Reflectivity of common exterior surfaces

Based on Hunn and Calafell and Threlkeld

Category Surface

Reflectivity

Natural surfaces (no vegetation)

Snow (fresh)

0.75

Soils (clay, loam, etc.)

0.14

Water (relatively large incidence angles)

0.70

Artificial surfaces

Bituminous and gravel roof

0.13

Blacktop, old

0.10

Building surfaces, dark (red brick, dark paints, etc.)

0.27

Building surfaces, light (light brick, light paints, etc.)

0.60

Concrete, new

0.35

Concrete, old

0.25

Crushed rock surface

0.20

Earth roads

0.04

Vegetation

Coniferous forest (winter)

0.07

Leaves, dead

0.30

Forests in autumn, ripe field crops, plants

0.26

Grass, dry

0.20

Grass, green

0.26