Jan van Aardt

Hyperspectral virtual imaging system of a Fagus sylvatica stand

A hyperspectral virtual forest scene of a Fagus sylvatica stand is presented. An off-the-shelf tree architectural software package (Bionatics) was used to generate a biologically accurate Fagus tree, while leaf BRDF data were acquired with the use of a hyperspectral Compact Laboratory Spectro-Goniometer (CLabSpeG). The goal behind the virtual forest scene is to create a Virtual Imaging System using measured BRDF data of vegetative material in order to improve existing canopy reflectance models. This imaging system is the first step towards the creation of a hyperspectral virtual laboratory that will be used to research and better understand earth solar interaction principles.