Tree architecture in remote sensing analytical models: The Bray experiment

An in-depth analysis of remotely sensed data requires the development of th eoretical models that predict the physical signals obtained from the vegeta tion and the soil. Where possible, validation of these models is also requi red and so far this has been limited. The effort needed to collect and anal yse extensive field data is one of the principal reasons for the shortage o f models/data comparisons. It has emerged that the introduction of actual m easurements into models has become necessary in order to improve the accura cy of the simulation results. This is also the case for each area of resear ch using physical models that utilize description of the canopy (physiology , micrometeorology, etc.). An experiment with the aim of collecting an exha ustive dataset on the structure of the maritime pine was thus undertaken. D iscussing the contrasting viewpoints of physicists and physiologists on can opy modelling proved to be very valuable given the diversity of approaches towards tree architecture. This paper sets out to show the key results of t his experiment and to display the first conclusions regarding physical mode lling in remote sensing studies.