Detailed structural characterisation of the savanna flux site at Skukuza, South Africa

Alecia Kirton, Bob Scholes, Michel Verstraete, Sally Archibald, Kathleen Mennell, Greg Asner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

A detailed structure and composition dataset has been assembled for a 200m x 200m area surrounding the eddy covariance flux measurement tower near Skukuza in the Kruger National Park. The information includes (by species) individual stem mapping, biomass and leaf area, canopy cover and height. Several different techniques were used for most of the attribute estimates, allowing a comparison of methods and an estimation of their accuracy. At the same time that the in situ information was collected (April 2008) using manual, photographic and ground-based laser scanning techniques, hyperspectral reflectance and lidar canopy structure information was gathered at 0.5 m resolution for this patch and a larger surrounding area, using the Carnegie Airborne Observatory sensors. The site has a nine-year record of water, energy and CO2 fluxes, phenology and various other ecological measurements. Initial findings relating to measurement techniques and basic structural parameters for the site are presented. The intention is to make the data available as a standard calibration site for remotely sensed products.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2009 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, IGARSS 2009 - Proceedings
PagesII186-II189
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
Event2009 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, IGARSS 2009 - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: Jul 12 2009Jul 17 2009

Publication series

NameInternational Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS)
Volume2

Other

Other2009 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, IGARSS 2009
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period7/12/097/17/09

Keywords

  • Calibration
  • Laser applications
  • Laser radar
  • Vegetation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Detailed structural characterisation of the savanna flux site at Skukuza, South Africa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this