Working Group VII/2

Calibrated airborne multispectral imagery has been used to retrieve and map biophysical parameters, specifically biomass, in a rice crop (Oryza sativa). Considerable amounts of image preprocessing, including correcting for image shear, camera misalignment and geometric and radiometric distortion was required. Conversion of image pixel digital numbers (DNs) to ground reflectance (R) was also necessary to combine data extracted from multi-temporal imagery, as was rectification to map coordinates using a selection of ground control points (GCPs). This paper outlines the processes undertaken to generate calibrated surface reflectance data within the growing season of a single rice crop to support the retrieval and subsequent mapping of crop biomass at four stages during the growing season.