Use of digital terrain data in the interpretation of SPOT-1 HRV multispectral imagery

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the complementary use of digital terrain information and SPOT-1 HRV multispectral imagery for the study and mapping of semi-natural upland vegetation. A digital terrain model was derived for a 10 by 10 km study area in southern Snowdonia, Wales, and was used to generate slope and aspect images. A model was developed as a first-order approximation of changes in radiance with local topography, assuming Lambertian behaviour of vegetation canopies. The model was implemented for the study area to assess its use in suppressing the effects of relief on scene radiance. Subsequently the model was refined to describe non-Lambertian reflectance.