NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 46

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Jaime Nickeson, Editors

Volume 46

BOREAS RSS-3 Reflectance Measured

from a Helicopter-Mounted Barnes MMR

Charles L. Walthall, U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland

Sara Loechel and Eric Brown de Colstoun, University of Maryland

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

July 2000

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20010022097 2018-05-15T06:36:47+00:00Z
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NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 46

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Jaime Nickeson, Editors

Volume 46

BOREAS RSS-3 Reflectance Measured

from a Helicopter-Mounted Barnes MMR

Charles L. Walthall, U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland

Sara Loechel and Eric Brown de Colstoun, University of Maryland

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

July 2000
NASA Center for AeroSpace Information

7121 Standard Drive

Hanover, MD 21076-1320

Price Code: A17

Available from:

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

Price Code: A10
BOREAS RSS-3 Reflectance Measured from a Helicopter-Mounted

Barnes MMR

Charles L. Walthall, Sara Loechel, Eric Brown de Colstoun

Summary

The BOREAS RSS-3 team acquired helicopter-based radiometric measurements of forested sites with a

Barnes MMR. The data were collected in 1994 during the three BOREAS IFCs at numerous tower and

auxiliary sites in both the NSA and SSA. The 15-degree FOV of the MMR yielded approximately

79-m ground resolution from an altitude of 300 m. The MMR has seven spectral bands that are similar

to the Landsat TM bands, ranging from the blue region to the thermal. The data are stored in tabular

ASCII files.

The data are stored in tabular ASCII files.

Note: An extensive helicopter log (in Acrobat format) is available for the 1994 IFC's.

Environmental, technical, instrumental, and operational conditions are noted for each observation

where applicable. It is strongly recommended that any researcher doing extended work with this data

set review this helicopter log.

Table of Contents

1) Data Set Overview

2) Investigator(s)

3) Theory of Measurements

4) Equipment

5) Data Acquisition Methods

6) Observations

7) Data Description

8) Data Organization

9) Data Manipulations

10) Errors

11) Notes

12) Application of the Data Set

13) Future Modifications and Plans

14) Software

15) Data Access

16) Output Products and Availability

17) References

18) Glossary of Terms

19) List of Acronyms

20) Document Information

1. Data Set Overview

1.1 Data Set Identification

BOREAS RSS-03 Reflectance Measured from a Helicopter-Mounted Barnes MMR

1.2 Data Set Introduction

Radiometer measurements of the BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) forested tower

and auxiliary sites in both the Northern Study Area (NSA) and Southern Study Area (SSA) were taken

from a helicopter platform with a nadir viewing angle. The data were collected during the 1994

Intensive Field Campaigns (IFCs), which included the green-up, peak, and senescent stages of the

Page 1
growingseason.The 15-degreefield of view (FOV)of theModularMultibandRadiometer(MMR)

yieldedaninstantaneousfield of view (IFOV) of approximately79m from the300-maltitudetypically

flown.TheMMR hassevenspectralbandsthataresimilarto theLandsatThematicMapper(TM)

bands,rangingfrom theblueregionto thethermal.MMR radianceandgroundsunphotometerdata

wereusedasinputtoVersion3.2of theSecondSimulationof theSatelliteSignalin theSolar

Spectrum(6S)atmosphericorrectionsoftwareto obtainat-surfacereflectancefactors.Thedataare

arrangedin chronologicalorder(date,time)andcovertheperiod31-Maythrough10-June(IFC-1),

21-Julythrough08-August(IFC-2),and6-Septemberthrough16-September(IFC-3).

1.3 Objective/Purpose

The objective was to acquire multispectral, bidirectional reflectance, and surface temperature data

of the study sites for assessments of spectral, spatial, and temporal variability and the impacts of these

variabilities on vegetation indices. A helicopter with a pointable, stabilized mount was used to carry a

spectrometer (visible and near-infrared), spectroradiometer, and a video camera. A sun-tracking

photometer was also deployed to provide data for calculations of irradiance and for atmospheric

correction of the data. Estimates of atmospheric conditions were not available from the onboard

sunphotometer at the time that this data set was processed; therefore, the latest available version of the

6S atmospheric model was used for the calculations of irradiance and for atmospheric corrections.

1.4 Summary of Parameters

Helicopter-based measurements of at-surface and at-sensor reflectance, and at-sensor radiance

values acquired at tower and auxiliary sites during all three 1994 BOREAS IFCs.

1.5 Discussion

These measurements were collected as part of the effort to evaluate models that estimate surface

biophysical characteristics from remotely measured optical signatures.

1.6 Related Data Sets

BOREAS RSS-01 PARABOLA SSA Surface Reflectance and Transmittance Data

BOREAS RSS-02

BOREAS RSS-03

BOREAS RSS-03

BOREAS RSS-03

BOREAS RSS- 11

BOREAS RSS- 12

BOREAS RSS- 19

BOREAS RSS-20

Level-lb ASAS Imagery: At-sensor Radiance in BSQ Format

Reflectance Measured from a Helicopter-Mounted SE-590

Atmospheric Measurements from a Helicopter-Mounted Sunphotometer

Video Imagery Acquired from a Helicopter Platform

Ground Network of Sunphotometer Measurements

Automated Ground Sunphotometer Measurements in the SSA

1994 Seasonal Understory Reflectance Data

POLDER Measurements of Surface BRDF

2. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

Dr. Charles L. Walthall, Physical Scientist

2.2 Title of Investigation

Biophysical Significance of Spectral Vegetation Indices in the Boreal Forest

Page 2
2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1:

Dr. Charles L. Walthall

Physical Scientist

USDA Agricultural Research Service

Remote Sensing and Modeling Laboratory

Rm. 008 Bldg. 007, BARC-West

10300 Baltimore Avenue

Beltsville, MD 20705

USA

(301) 504-6074

(301) 504-5031 (fax)

cwalthal@ asrr.arsusda.gov

Contact 2:

Sara Loechel

Faculty Research Assistant

Department of Geography

University of Maryland

Remote Sensing and Modeling Laboratory/USDA Agricultural Research Service

Bldg. 007, BARC-West

10300 Baltimore Avenue

Beltsville, MD 20705

USA

(301) 504-6823

(301) 504-5031 (fax)

sloechel@asrr.arsusda.gov

Contact 3:

Jaime Nickeson

Raytheon ITSS

NASA GSFC

Code 923

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

(301) 286-3373

(301) 286-0239 (fax)

Jaime.Nickeson@ gsfc.nasa.gov

3. Theory of Measurements

Light radiation striking a vegetative canopy interacts with individual phytoelements (leaves, stems,

branches) and the underlying substrate. The interaction depends on light quality, radiative form (direct

or diffuse), illumination incidence angle, vegetative component optical properties, and canopy

architecture. Radiation is reflected, transmitted, or absorbed.

The helicopter missions were designed to provide a rapid means of intensively spectrally

characterizing vegetative cover at the BOREAS sites and to provide an intermediate scale of sampling

between spectral measurements made at the surface and those made from higher altitude aircraft and

spacecraft multispectral imaging devices. The MMR instrumentation was chosen to provide

compatibility with surface-based radiometers and TM spacecraft sensors.

Page 3
4. Equipment

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

The primary instruments for the BOREAS deployment were the SE-590 Spectron Engineering

spectroradiometer (SE-590), a Barnes MMR, a color Charge Coupled Device (CCD)-based video

camera, and a sun-tracking photometer. The downward-looking sensor heads, along with a color

video camera, were mounted on an operator-controlled pointable mount that allows control of the view

zenith and view azimuth directions independent of the heading of the aircraft.

The MMR was developed in the late 1970s in response to the need for a field instrument for remote

sensing by the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) remote sensing community.

Calibration considerations were integral to the design of this device. The device consists of eight

sensors (four silicon and four lead sulfide detectors) with associated changeable optics for each. The

serial number of the instrument used was 117.

The voltages from the MMR are digitized with the use of an 18-chalmel analog-to-digital (A/D)

converter, the Travelogger. The Travelogger is a standalone A/D system that runs on AC power while

in the helicopter and outputs digital data to the hard disk of a PC also controlling the SE-590 via an

RS-232 cable.

For additional information on the instruments, see also Walthall et al. (1996) and Robinson et al.

(1981).

4.1.1 Collection Environment

The helicopter was flown during relatively clear days when possible. Data collection was attempted

during conditions of highest possible solar elevation. All observations were attempted from a nadir

observation point and usually at 300 m above ground level (AGL). Exceptions are noted in the

extensive helicopter log, which is available. Environmental, technical, instrumental, and operational

conditions are noted for each observation where applicable.

4.1.2 Source/Platform

The UH- 1 "Huey" series of helicopters has been available as a platform for the system in many

field campaigns. The first 10 years of the system development and use were with two UH-1B Huey

helicopters, while the aircraft used for BOREAS was a UH- 1H model Huey helicopter. Wallops Flight

Facility (WFF) changed to the H-model helicopter because of its increased payload capability, the

availability of spare parts, and its widespread use by other organizations. The Bell UH-1H "Iroquois"

helicopter, call-number N415, was built in 1965 and was acquired by WFF in 1993. Upon

acquisition, the aircraft was slightly modified for use as a scientific platform.

Helicopter N415 operates with standard or low mount, rear-leaning skids. The engine is a

Lycoming T53/L13, which provides 1,400 shaft HP with 1,290 transmission HP. The fuel capacity

provides 2.0 hours of flying time with a 20-minute fuel reserve under normal modes of operation. The

addition of an auxiliary fuel tank in the port-side door crewman's position provided an additional 15

minutes of flight time during BOREAS given optimum flight conditions.

The instrument platform controllers, power supplies, and data loggers are mounted on

54-inch-wide, 72-inch-high steel rack mounts fabricated at WFF. Three racks are situated directly in

front of the instrument operators. Seats for the instrument operators are located across the front of the

transmission and main rotor mast housing. Whenever possible, existing hard points are used for

attaching hardware both internally and externally.

The weight of the entire helicopter system with full instrumentation, full fuel, and crew members is

9,500 lbs.

4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives

The helicopter missions were designed to provide a rapid means of intensively spectrally

characterizing sites and to provide an intermediate scale of sampling between the surface measurements

and the higher altitude aircraft and spacecraft multispectral imaging devices. The MMR instrumentation

was chosen to provide compatibility with surface-based radiometers and TM spacecraft sensors.

Page 4
4.1.4 Key Variables

Surface reflectance.

4.1.5 Principles of Operation

System Operation: Computer control of the instruments provides precise, automatic control and

ensures proper timing of data collection. The radiometric instruments are configured such that all

sensors except the photographic camera can be triggered near-simultaneously with a single computer

keyboard keystroke. The command sent from the keyboard is first sent to the SE-590, then to the A/D

systems. Raw data from each of the instruments are displayed via graphics and tabular listings on the

main computer screen immediately after scanning.

The system is configured for multiple sensor data collection. The MMR, SE-590, infrared

thermometer, autotracking sunphotometer, and video sensor were the primary payload during

BOREAS. The voltages from the MMR are digitized with the use of an 18-channel A/D converter, a

standalone A/D system that runs on AC power while in the helicopter and outputs digital data to a PC.

4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)/WFF helicopter-based optical remote sensing

system was deployed to acquire canopy multispectral data with a Barnes MMR while hovering

approximately 300 m AGL (Walthall et al., 1996). The 15-degree FOV of the MMR yielded a ground

resolution of approximately 79 m at the nominal altitude of 300 m.

4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument

MMR (this device is no longer in production)

Barnes Engineering Company

30 Commerce Road

Stamford, CT 07904

4.2 Calibration

Calibration of the MMR was performed according to the procedures described in Markham et al.,

1988. Radiometric calibration and spectral calibration procedures were done before and after the field

season to check for changes in sensor radiometric response. In-field calibration checks were

periodically made with a large, portable integrating sphere system. This sphere was also used to

calibrate the airborne instruments on other aircraft and some of the surface- based radiometric

instrumentation. The MMR relative spectral response curves of the filters were well characterized prior

to the field deployment.

4.2.1 Specifications

The Barnes MMR produces analog voltage responses to scene radiance in eight spectral bands and

to the instrument chopper and detector temperatures. The eight wavebands are described below.

Wavebands 1-4 have silicon detectors, wavebands 5-7 have lead sulfide detectors, and waveband 8

has a Lithium Tantalum trioxide detector. The MMR's dimensions are 26.4 cm by 20.5 cm by 22.2

cm, and it weighs 6.4 kg.

MMR Wavelength Range

Channel (microns)

1 0.

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 1

6 1

7 2

8 i0

45 -

52 -

63 -

76 -

15 -

55 -

08 -

40 -

0 52

0 60

0 69

0 9O

1 30

1 75

2 35

12 50

Page 5
4.2.1.1 Tolerance

Markham et al. (1988) summarize the calibration and instrument degradation during the First

International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) Field Experiment (FIFE):

"The changes in calibration of the MMR instruments were related to the extent of their use. In the

silicon channels of the MMR, instruments used throughout the 4 field campaigns showed degradations

of 3-4% between pre- and post-season calibrations. Strong temperature sensitivity in the lead-sulfide

(PbS) channels, about +/-25% over a 15 °C range, which was reduced to +/-4% or less with

temperature correction, led to greater uncertainty in these channels calibration .... "

Note that MMR bands 1-4 use silicon detectors, and bands 5-7 use lead-sulfide (PbS) detectors.

Similar results are expected with the BOREAS calibrations.

4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

Radiometric calibration and spectral calibration procedures were done before and after the field

season to check for changes in sensor radiometric response. In-field calibration checks were

periodically made with a large, portable integrating sphere system. This sphere was used to calibrate

the airborne instruments on other aircraft and some of the surface-based radiometric instrumentation.

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

None.

5. Data Acquisition Methods

The use of off-the-shelf field instruments aboard airborne platforms is a cost-effective and efficient

approach to assembling a data collection system. The instruments are generally rugged enough for the

harsh operating environment of a helicopter, provide data comparable to data sets on the surface, and

are easy to use and versatile during operation. The system, developed jointly at NASA GSFC and

WFF, uses several widely accepted field-portable radiometric instruments. The system is configured

such that instruments from other investigators can be deployed on the helicopter with little or no

interference with the primary instrument system. An autotracking sunphotometer system, developed

specifically for use on helicopters, is the newest addition to the system.

The NASA GSFC/WFF helicopter-based optical remote sensing system was deployed to acquire

canopy multispectral data with a Barnes MMR while hovering approximately 300 meters above ground

level (Walthall et al., 1996). The 15-degree FOV of the MMR yielded an IFOV at this altitude of

approximately 79 m. Observations were made over various tower and auxiliary sites during all three

1994 IFCs.

6. Observations

6.1 Data Notes

An extensive helicopter log is available. Environmental, technical, instrumental, and operational

conditions are noted for each observation where applicable.

6.2 Field Notes

See Section 6.1.

Page 6
7. Data Description

7.1 Spatial Characteristics

7.1.1 Spatial Coverage

Each site listed in the following table was observed at least once during the 1994 campaigns. The

given coordinates are based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).

UTM UTM

Site Id Grid Id Longitude Latitude Northinc Zone

UTM

Easting

Flux Tower Sites

Southern Study Area:

SSA-FEN-MMR01 FOL9T

SSA-OBS-MMR01 G814T

SSA-OJP-MMR01 G2L3T

SSA-YJP-MMR01 F8L6T

SSA-9OA-MMR01 C3B7T

SSA-9YA-MMR01 DOH4T

104 61798 ° W 53 80206 ° N

105 11779 ° W 53 98717 ° N

104 69203 ° W 53 91634 ° N

104 64529 ° W 53 87581 ° N

106 19779 ° W 53 62889 ° N

105 32314 ° W 53 65601 ° N

525159 8

492276 5

520227 7

523320 2

420790 5

478644 i

5961566 6

5982100 5

5974257 5

5969762 5

5942899 9

5945298 9

13

13

13

13

13

13

Northern Study Area:

NSA-OBS-MMR01 T3R8T 98 48139 ° W 55 88007 ° N

NSA-OJP-MMR01 T7Q8T 98 62396 ° W 55 92842 ° N

NSA-YJP-MMR01 T8S9T 98 28706 ° W 55 89575 ° N

NSA-BVP-MMR01 T4U6T 98 02747 ° W 55 84225 ° N

NSA-FEN-MMR01 T7SlT 98 42072 ° W 55 91481 ° N

532444.5

523496.2

544583.9

560900.6

536207.9

6192853 4

6198176 3

6194706 9

6188950 7

6196749 6

14

14

14

14

14

Auxiliary Sites

Southern Study Area:

SSA-9BS-MMR01 DOH6S

SSA-9BS-MMR01 G214S 105

SSA-9BS-MMR01 G2L7S 104

SSA-9BS-MMR01 G6K8S 104

SSA-9BS-MMR01 G914S 105

SSA-9JP-MMR01 F516P 105

SSA-9JP-MMR01 F7JOP 105

SSA-9JP-MMR01 F7JIP 105

SSA-9JP-MMR01 GIK9P 104

SSA-9JP-MMR01 G4K8P 104

SSA-9JP-MMR01 G7K8P 104

SSA-9JP-MMR01 G8L6P 104

SSA-9JP-MMR01 G9LOP 104

SSA-9JP-MMR01 I218P 105

SSA-ASP-MMR01 B9B7A 106

SSA-ASP-MMR01 D6H4A 105

SSA-ASP-MMR01 D6L9A 104

SSA-ASP-MMR01 D9G4A 105

SSA-MIX-MMR01 D9IIM 105

SSA-MIX-MMR01 FINOM 104

SSA-MIX-MMR01 G413M 105

105 29534 ° W 53 64877 ° N

13964 ° W 53

63785 ° W 53

75900 ° W 53

11805 ° W 53

11175 ° W 53

05115 ° W 53

03226 ° W 53

74812 ° W 53

76401 ° W 53

77148 ° W 53

63755 ° W 53

73779 ° W 53

05107 ° W 54

93021 ° N

90349 ° N

94446 ° N

99877 ° N

86608 ° N

88336 ° N

88211 ° N

9O88O ° N

91883 ° N

95882 ° N

96558 ° N

97576 ° N

11181 ° N

18693 ° W 53.59098 ° N

31546 ° W 53.70828 ° N

63880 ° W 53.66879 ° N

46929 ° W 53.74019 ° N

20643 ° W 53.72540 ° N

53300 ° W 53.80594 ° N

14246 ° W 53.93750 ° N

480508 7

490831 4

523793 6

515847 9

492291 2

492651 3

496667 0

497879 4

516546 7

515499 1

514994 2

523778 0

517197 7

496661 4

421469 8

479177 5

523864 0

469047 1

486379 7

530753 7

490677 3

5944263 4

5975766 3

5972844 3

5977146 9

5983169 1

5968627 1

5970323 3

5970405 6

5973404 5

5974516 6

5978963 8

5979752 7

5980856 0

5995963 1

5938447 2

5951112 1

5946733 2

5954718 4

5952989 7

5962031 8

5976354 9

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

Page 7
UTM UTM

Site Id Northinc Zone Grid Id Longitude Latitude

UTM

Easting

Northern Study Area:

NSA-9BS-MMR01 S8W0S

NSA-9BS-MMR01 TOP7S 98

NSA-9BS-MMR01 TOP8S 98

NSA-9BS-MMR01 TOWIS 97

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T3U9S 97

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T4U8S 97

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T4U9S 97

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T5Q7S 98

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T6R5S 98

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T6T6S 98

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T7R9S 98

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T7T3S 98

NSA-9BS-MMR01 T8S4S 98

NSA-9BS-MMR01 U5W5S 97

NSA-9BS-MMR01 U6W5S 97

NSA-9JP-MMR01 9909P 99

NSA-9JP-MMR01 Q3V3P 98

NSA-9JP-MMR01 T7S9P 98

NSA-9JP-MMR01 TSQ9P 98

NSA-9JP-MMR01 T8S9P 98

NSA-9JP-MMR01 T8TIP 98

NSA-9JP-MMR01 T9QSP 98

NSA-9OA-MMR01 T2Q6A 98

NSA-ASP-MMR01 P7VIA 98

NSA-ASP-MMR01 Q3V2A 98

NSA-ASP-MMR01 R8V8A 97

NSA-ASP-MMR01 S9P3A 98

NSA-ASP-MMR01 T4U5A 98

NSA-ASP-MMR01 T8S4A 98

NSA-ASP-MMR01 V5X7A 97

NSA-ASP-MMR01 WOY5A 97

NSA-MIX-MMR01 QIV2M 98

NSA-MIX-MMR01 TOP5M 98

97 84024 ° W 55.76824 ° N

82345 ° W 55.88371 ° N

80225 ° W 55.88351 ° N

80937 ° W 55.78239 ° N

98339 ° W 55 83083 ° N

99325 ° W 55

98364 ° W 55

64022 ° W 55

51865 ° W 55

18658 ° W 55

44877 ° W 55

22621 ° W 55

37111 ° W 55

70986 ° W 55

70281 ° W 55

03952 ° W 55

83913 ° N

83455 ° N

91610 ° N

90802 ° N

87968 ° N

91506 ° N

89358 ° N

91689 ° N

90610 ° N

91021 ° N

88173 ° N

02473 ° W 55.55712 ° N

30037 ° W 55 89486 ° N

61050 ° W 55

28385 ° W 55

26269 ° W 55

59568 ° W 55

67479 ° W 55

93219 ° N

90456 ° N

90539 ° N

93737 ° N

88691 ° N

07478 ° W 55.50253 ° N

02635 ° W 55.56227 ° N

89260 ° W 55 67779 ° N

87621 ° W 55

04329 ° W 55

37041 ° W 55

48565 ° W 55

33550 ° W 56

88576 ° N

84757 ° N

91856 ° N

97396 ° N

00339 ° N

03769 ° W 55.54568 ° N

85662 ° W 55.88911 ° N

572761 9

511043 9

512370 1

574671 7

563679 1

563048 2

563657 5

522487 2

530092 0

550887 9

534454 5

548391 8

539306 4

580655 5

581087 8

497527 8

561517 9

543752 4

524334 5

544774 3

546096 3

525257 1

520342 0

558442 1

561407 9

569638 4

507743 3

559901 6

539348 3

594506 1

603796 6

560718 3

508967 7

6180894 9

6193151 1

6193132 0

6182502 0

6187719 2

6188633 4

6188132 8

6196800 5

6195947 0

6192987 9

6196763 6

6194505 6

6197008 6

6196380 8

6196846 5

6192917 5

6157222 2

6194599 1

6198601 4

6195688 9

6195795 3

6199183 2

6193540 7

6151103 7

6157793 5

6170774 8

6193371 6

6189528 2

6197194 6

6204216 6

6207706 6

6155937 3

6193747 3

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

Not available.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

At 300 m altitude, the 15-degree FOV of the MMR yielded a ground resolution of approximately

79 m.

7.1.4 Projection

Not applicable.

7.1.5 Grid Description

Not applicable.

Page 8
7.2 Temporal Characteristics

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

Measurements were collected as conditions permitted during each IFC. Observations were made

during all three BOREAS 1994 IFCs.

• IFC-1 24-May- 16-June

• IFC-2 19-July- 10-August

• IFC-3 30-August- 19-September

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

Observations were made at several sites on the following dates:

Date Study Area

31-May-1994 SSA

01-Jun-1994 SSA

04-Jun-1994 SSA

06-Jun-1994 SSA

07-Jun-1994 SSA

08-Jun-1994 NSA

10-Jun-1994 NSA

21-Jui-1994 NSA

22-Jui-1994 SSA

23-Jui-1994 SSA

24-Jui-1994 SSA

25-Jui-1994 SSA

28-Jui-1994 SSA

04-Aug-1994 NSA

08-Aug-1994 NSA

06-Sep-1994 NSA

08-Sep-1994 NSA

09-Sep-1994 NSA

13-Sep-1994 NSA

15-Sep-1994 SSA

16-Sep-1994 SSA

7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

Measurements were collected as conditions permitted during each IFC. In general, the helicopter

would hover 1-2 minutes for each observation (consisting of an average number of 20-25 scans). Each

site was visited as often as possible during each IFC, with priority given to tower flux sites and

category 1 auxiliary sites. Helicopter flight time was limited to approximately 2 hours by fuel

constraints. As many sites as possible were visited during each flight.

7.3 Data Characteristics

Page 9
7.3.1 Parameter/Variable

The parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

OP GRID ID

DATE OBS

START TIME

END TIME

SOLAR ZEN ANG

SOLAR AZ ANG

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

MEAN MMR CHI RAD

SDEV MMR CHI RAD

MEAN MMR CHI REFL

MEAN MMR CH2 RAD

SDEV MMR CH2 RAD

MEAN MMR CH2 REFL

MEAN MMR CH3 RAD

SDEV MMR CH3 RAD

MEAN MMR CH3 REFL

MEAN MMR CH4 RAD

SDEV MMR CH4 RAD

MEAN MMR CH4 REFL

MEAN MMR CH5 RAD

SDEV MMR CH5 RAD

MEAN MMR CH5 REFL

MEAN MMR CH6 RAD

SDEV MMR CH6 RAD

MEAN MMR CH6 REFL

MEAN MMR CH7 RAD

SDEV MMR CH7 RAD

MEAN MMR CH7 REFL

MEAN MMR CH8 RAD

SDEV MMR CH8 RAD

MEAN BRIGHTNESS TEMP

SDEV BRIGHTNESS TEMP

INTERP AEROSOL OPT THICK 550

COLUMN WATER VAPOR

MEAN CHOPPER TEMP

SDEV CHOPPER TEMP

MEAN DETECTOR TEMP

SDEV DETECTOR TEMP

REVISION DATE

CRTFCN CODE

Page 10
7.3.2 Variable Description/Definition

The descriptions of the parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Description

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

OP GRID ID

DATE OBS

START TIME

END TIME

SOLAR ZEN ANG

SOLAR AZ ANG

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

MEAN MMR CHI RAD

SDEV MMR CHI RAD

MEAN MMR CHI REFL

MEAN MMR CH2 RAD

SDEV MMR CH2 RAD

MEAN MMR CH2 REFL

MEAN MMR CH3 RAD

SDEV MMR CH3 RAD

MEAN MMR CH3 REFL

MEAN MMR CH4 RAD

The identifier assigned to the site by BOREAS,

in the format SSS-TTT-CCCCC, where SSS

identifies the portion of the study area: NSA,

SSA, REG, TRN, and TTT identifies the cover

type for the site, 999 if unknown, and CCCCC is

the identifier for site, exactly what it means

will vary with site type.

The identifier assigned to the sub-site by

BOREAS, in the format GGGGG-IIIII, where GGGGG

is the group associated with the sub-site

instrument e.g. HYD06 or STAFF, and IIIII is

the identifier for sub-site, often this will

refer to an instrument.

The identifier given to the BOREAS auxiliary

and tower sites during the execution of field

operations. An example of this is B9B7A.

The date on which the data were collected.

The starting Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) for the

data collected.

The ending Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) for the

data collected.

The angle from the surface normal (straight up)

to the sun during the data collection.

Direction referred to as a circular scale of

degrees read clockwise describing the position

of the sun where 0=north, 90=east, 180=south

and 270:west.

The nominal altitude of the data collection

platform above the target.

The mean reflected radiance at this site from

the Barnes MMR channel 1 (.45-.52 microns) .

The standard deviation of the reflected

radiance for MMR channel i.

The mean reflectance factor at this site for

MMR channel i.

The mean reflected radiance at this site from

the Barnes MMR channel 2 (.52 - .60 microns) .

The standard deviation of the reflected

radiance for MMR channel 2.

The mean reflectance factor at this site for

MMR channel 2.

The mean reflected radiance at this site from

the Barnes MMR channel 3 (.63-.68 microns) .

The standard deviation of the reflected

radiance for MMR channel 3.

The mean reflectance factor at this site for

MMR channel 3.

The mean reflected radiance at this site from

the Barnes MMR channel 4 (.75-.80 microns) .

Page 11
SDEV MMR CH4 RAD

MEAN MMR CH4 REFL

MEAN MMR CH5 RAD

SDEV MMR CH5 RAD

MEAN MMR CH5 REFL

MEAN MMR CH6 RAD

SDEV MMR CH6 RAD

HEAN HHR CH6 REFL

MEAN MMR CH7 RAD

SDEV MMR CH7 RAD

HEAN HHR CH7 REFL

MEAN MMR CH8 RAD

SDEV MMR CH8 RAD

MEAN BRIGHTNESS TEMP

SDEV BRIGHTNESS TEMP

INTERP AEROSOL OPT THICK 550

COLUHN WATER VAPOR

HEAN CHOPPER TEHP

SDEV CHOPPER TEMP

HEAN DETECTOR TEHP

SDEV DETECTOR TEMP

REVISION DATE

CRTFCN CODE

The standard deviation of the reflected

radiance for MMR channel 4.

The mean reflectance factor at this site for

MMR channel 4.

The mean reflected radiance at this site from

the Barnes MMR channel 5 (1.17-1.33 microns) .

The standard deviation of the reflected

radiance for MMR channel 5.

The mean reflectance factor at this site for

MMR channel 5.

The mean reflected radiance at this site from

the Barnes MMR channel 6 (1.57-1.80 microns) .

The standard deviation of the reflected

radiance for MMR channel 6.

The mean reflectance factor at this site for

MMR channel 6.

The mean reflected radiance at this site from

the Barnes MMR channel 7 (2.08-2.37 microns) .

The standard deviation of the reflected

radiance for MMR channel 7.

The mean reflectance factor at this site for

MMR channel 7.

The mean emitted radiance at this site from the

Barnes MMR channel 8 (10.4-12.3 microns) .

The standard deviation of the radiance for MMR

channel 8.

The mean at-sensor brightness temperature from

MMR channel 8.

The standard deviation of the at-sensor

brightness temperature.

The aerosol optical depth interpolated to 550

nanometers, used in the atmospheric correction.

The amount of precipitable water within a

vertical column of air with a cross-section of

1 centimeter squared and a fixed depth (usually

from the ground to the top of the atmosphere).

The mean Barnes MMR chopper temperature.

The standard deviation of the radiometer

chopper temperature.

The mean detector temperature.

Standard deviation of the detector temperature.

The most recent date when the information in

the referenced data base table record was

revised.

The BOREAS certification level of the data.

Examples are CPI (Checked by PI), CGR

(Certified by Group), PRE (Preliminary), and

CPI-??? (CPI but questionable) .

*** Note: MMR 8 data are NOT atmospherically corrected ***

Page 12
7.3.3 Unit of Measurement

The measurement units for the parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Units

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

OP GRID ID

DATE OBS

START TIME

END TIME

SOLAR ZEN ANG

SOLAR AZ ANG

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

MEAN MMR CHI RAD

SDEV MMR CHI RAD

MEAN MMR CHI REFL

MEAN MMR CH2 RAD

SDEV MMR CH2 RAD

MEAN MMR CH2 REFL

MEAN MMR CH3 RAD

SDEV MMR CH3 RAD

MEAN MMR CH3 REFL

MEAN MMR CH4 RAD

SDEV MMR CH4 RAD

MEAN MMR CH4 REFL

MEAN MMR CH5 RAD

SDEV MMR CH5 RAD

MEAN MMR CH5 REFL

MEAN MMR CH6 RAD

SDEV MMR CH6 RAD

MEAN MMR CH6 REFL

MEAN MMR CH7 RAD

SDEV MMR CH7 RAD

MEAN MMR CH7 REFL

MEAN MMR CH8 RAD

SDEV MMR CH8 RAD

MEAN BRIGHTNESS TEMP

SDEV BRIGHTNESS TEMP

INTERP AEROSOL OPT THICK 550

COLUMN WATER VAPOR

MEAN CHOPPER TEMP

SDEV CHOPPER TEMP

MEAN DETECTOR TEMP

SDEV DETECTOR TEMP

REVISION DATE

CRTFCN CODE

[none]

[none]

[none]

[DD-MON-YY]

[HHMM GMT]

[HHMM GMT]

[degrees]

[degrees]

[meters]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[percent]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[percent]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[percent]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[percent]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[percent]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[percent]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[percent]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[Watts] [meter^-2] [steradian^-l] [micrometer^-l]

[degrees Celsius]

[degrees Celsius]

[unitless]

[millimeters]

[degrees Celsius]

[degrees Celsius]

[degrees Celsius]

[degrees Celsius]

[DD-MON-YY]

[none]

Page 13
7.3.4 Data Source

The sources of the parameter values contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Data Source

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

OP GRID ID

DATE OBS

START TIME

END TIME

SOLAR ZEN ANG

SOLAR AZ ANG

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

MEAN MMR CHI RAD

SDEV MMR CHI RAD

MEAN MMR CHI REFL

MEAN MMR CH2 RAD

SDEV MMR CH2 RAD

MEAN MMR CH2 REFL

MEAN MMR CH3 RAD

SDEV MMR CH3 RAD

MEAN MMR CH3 REFL

MEAN MMR CH4 RAD

SDEV MMR CH4 RAD

MEAN MMR CH4 REFL

MEAN MMR CH5 RAD

SDEV MMR CH5 RAD

MEAN MMR CH5 REFL

MEAN MMR CH6 RAD

SDEV MMR CH6 RAD

MEAN MMR CH6 REFL

MEAN MMR CH7 RAD

SDEV MMR CH7 RAD

MEAN MMR CH7 REFL

MEAN MMR CH8 RAD

SDEV MMR CH8 RAD

MEAN BRIGHTNESS TEMP

SDEV BRIGHTNESS TEMP

INTERP AEROSOL OPT THICK 550

COLUMN WATER VAPOR

MEAN CHOPPER TEMP

SDEV CHOPPER TEMP

MEAN DETECTOR TEMP

SDEV DETECTOR TEMP

REVISION DATE

CRTFCN CODE

[Assigned by BORIS Staff]

[Assigned by BORIS Staff]

[Assigned by BORIS Staff]

[Controller]

[Controller]

[Controller]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[NASA Helicopter]

[Barnes Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR) ]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Barnes Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR) ]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Barnes Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR) ]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Barnes Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR) ]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Barnes Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR) ]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Barnes Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR) ]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Barnes Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR) ]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Barnes Modular Multiband Radiometer (MMR) ]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[RSSll Sunphotometer]

[RSSll Sunphotometer]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Calculated by software]

[Assigned by BORIS Staff]

[Assigned by BORIS Staff]

Page 14
7.3.5 Data Range

The following table gives information about the parameter values found in the data files on the

CD-ROM.

Minimum Maximum Missng Unrel Below Data

Data Data Data Data Detect Not

Column Name Value Value Value Value Limit Cllctd

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

OP GRID ID

DATE OBS

START TIME

END TIME

SOLAR ZEN ANG

SOLAR AZ ANG

PLATFORM ALTITUDE

MEAN MMR CHI RAD

SDEV MMR CHI RAD

MEAN MMR CHI REFL

MEAN MMR CH2 RAD

SDEV MMR CH2 RAD

MEAN MMR CH2 REFL

MEAN MMR CH3 RAD

SDEV MMR CH3 RAD

MEAN MMR CH3 REFL

MEAN MMR CH4 RAD

SDEV MMR CH4 RAD

MEAN MMR CH4 REFL

MEAN MMR CH5 RAD

SDEV MMR CH5 RAD

MEAN MMR CH5 REFL

MEAN MMR CH6 RAD

SDEV MMR CH6 RAD

MEAN MMR CH6 REFL

MEAN MMR CH7 RAD

SDEV MMR CH7 RAD

MEAN MMR CH7 REFL

MEAN MMR CH8 RAD

SDEV MMR CH8 RAD

NSA- 9BS- 9TETR

RS S 03 -MMR01

B9B7A

31-MAY-94

83O

833

32 .167

96.059

91 .4

4 .328

.067

0

5.19

.088

1.0

3.797

.058

1.0

14.828

.285

6.2

3.835

109

5.4

618

034

1.7

14

OO6

1.2

5.588

.027

MEAN BRIGHTNESS TEMP -5.067

SDEV BRIGHTNESS TEMP .216

SSA-YJP-FLXTR None None None None

RSS03-MMR01 None None None None

WOY5A None None None None

16-SEP-94 None None None None

1629 None None None None

1632 None None None None

63.215 None None None None

248.965 None None None None

304.8 None None None None

19.413 None None None None

1.256 None None None None

4.2 None None None None

24.375 None None None None

1.733 None None None None

6.5 None None None None

21.419 None None None None

1.531 None None None None

7.1 None None None None

97.359 None None None None

5.01 None None None None

38.5 None None None None

36.052 None None None None

1.525 None None None None

38.7 None None None None

11.27 None None None None

.568 None None None None

22.9 None None None None

2.353 None None None None

.124 None None None None

12.6 None None None None

22.448 None None None None

4.695 None None None None

102.3 None None None None

28.435 None None None None

.6388 None None None None

m m

INTERP AEROSOL OPT .0291

THICK 550

COLUMN WATER VAPOR 7.05 25.83 None None None None

MEAN CHOPPER TEMP 1.073 24.267 None None None None

SDEV CHOPPER TEMP .005 .379 None None None None

MEAN DETECTOR TEMP 9.307 47.14 None None None None

SDEV DETECTOR TEMP .001 .667 None None None None

REVISION DATE 01-MAY-98 01-MAY-98 None None None None

CRTFCN CODE CPI CPI None None None None

Minimum Data Value -- The minimum value found in the column.

Maximum Data Value -- The maximum value found in the column.

Missng Data Value -- The value that indicates missing data. This is used to

Page 15
indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Unrel Data Value -- The value that indicates unreliable data. This is used

to indicate an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the value was deemed to be

unreliable by the analysis personnel.

Below Detect Limit -- The value that indicates parameter values below the

instruments detection limits. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the analysis personnel determined

that the parameter value was below the detection

limit of the instrumentation.

Data Not Cllctd -- This value indicates that no attempt was made to

determine the parameter value. This usually

indicates that BORIS combined several similar but

not identical data sets into the same data base table

but this particular science team did not

measure that parameter.

Blank -- Indicates that blank spaces are used to denote that type of value.

N/A -- Indicates that the value is not applicable to the respective column.

None -- Indicates that no values of that sort were found in the column.

7.4 Sample Data Record

The following is a sample of the first few records from the data table on the CD-ROM:

SITE NAME,SUB SITE,DATE OBS,OP GRID ID,START TIME,END TIME,SOLAR ZEN ANG,

SOLAR AZ ANG,PLATFORM ALTITUDE,MEAN MMR CHI RAD,SDEV MMR CHI RAD,

MEAN MMR CHI REFL,MEAN MMR CH2 RAD,SDEV MMR CH2 RAD,MEAN MMR CH2 REFL,

MEAN MMR CH3 RAD,SDEV MMR CH3 RAD,MEAN MMR CH3 REFL,MEAN MMR CH4 RAD,

SDEV MMR CH4 RAD,MEAN MMR CH4 REFL,MEAN MMR CH5 RAD,SDEV MMR CH5 RAD,

MEAN MMR CH5 REFL,MEAN MMR CH6 RAD,SDEV MMR CH6 RAD,MEAN MMR CH6 REFL,

MEAN MMR CH7 RAD,SDEV MMR CH7 RAD,MEAN MMR CH7 REFL,MEAN MMR CH8 RAD,

SDEV MMR CH8 RAD,MEAN BRIGHTNESS TEMP,SDEV BRIGHTNESS TEMP,

INTERP AEROSOL OPT THICK 550,COLUMN WATER VAPOR, MEAN CHOPPER TEMP,

SDEV CHOPPER TEMP,MEAN DETECTOR TEMP,SDEV DETECTOR TEMP,REVISION DATE,CRTFCN CODE

'SSA-ASP-AUX02', 'RSS03-MMR01',31-MAY-94, 'B9B7A',922,923,51.83,105.375,304.8,

7.565,.229,1.5,12.582,.306,3.6,6.718,.274,2.2,59.392,1.564,30.9,21.811,.435,

28.6,6.255,.111,15.7,.75,.023 5.4,7.94,.044,15.995,.354,.0709,9.56,10.502,.01,

12.216, .006,01-MAY-98, 'CPI'

'SSA-OJP-FLXTR', 'RSS03-MMR01' 31-MAY-94, 'G2L3T',I017,1019,43 681,121.201,

304.8,13.902,.424,2.8,17.234, 493,4.2,15.023,.475,4.5,33.538 .556,14.8,16.552,

.28,18.4,6.49,.165,13.9,1.168,.04,7.2,8 236,.052,18.373,.415 .0734,10.03,10.387,

.066,11.958, .047,01-MAY-98, 'CPI'

'SSA-YJP-FLXTR', 'RSS03-MMR01',31-MAY-94 'FeL6T',I029,1030,42 182,124.601,

304.8,12.435,.393,2.4,16.48,.513,3.9,14 596,.489,4.3,41.367,1.196,17.8,20.497,

.339,22.2,7.826, .196,16.3,1.394, .046,8.3,8.66, .059,21.7, .459, .0734,10.03,11.254,

.029,12.847, .023,01-MAY-98, 'CPI'

Page 16
8. Data Organization

The smallest unit of data that is tracked by the BOREAS Information System (BORIS) is all of the data

for a given day at a given site.

8.2 Data Format(s)

The Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) files contain American Standard Code for

Information Interchange (ASCII) numerical and character fields of varying length separated by

commas. The character fields are enclosed with single apostrophe marks. There are no spaces between

the fields.

Each data file on the CD-ROM has four header lines of Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML)

code at the top. When viewed with a Web browser, this code displays header information (data set

title, location, date, acknowledgments, etc.) and a series of HTML links to associated data files and

related data sets. Line 5 of each data file is a list of the column names, and line 6 and following lines

contain the actual data.

9. Data Manipulations

9.1 Formulae

9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms

The approach used to calculate at surface reflectance comes from Vermote et al. (1997):

"Two atmospheric processes modify the solar radiance reflected by a target when viewed from space:

absorption by the gases (when observation bands are overlapping gaseous absorption bands) and

scattering by the aerosols and the molecules. If the gaseous absorption can be de-coupled from

scattering as if the absorbents were located above the scattering layers, as assumed in the 6S code, the

equation of transfer for a Lambertian homogeneous target of reflectance P_SFC at sea level altitude

viewed by a satellite sensor (under zenith angle of view theta v and azimuth angle of view phi_v) and

illuminated by sun (theta_s, phi_s) is:

P_TOA(theta_s, theta v, phi_s-phi_v) = T_g(theta_s, theta v) * [P_R+A + T dn(theta_s) *

T_up(theta_v) * {P_SFC / (1 - S*P_SFC)}]. (1)

The various quantities are expressed in terms of equivalent reflectance P defined as P = pi * L/mu_s*

E_s where L is the measured radiance, E_s is the solar flux at the top of the atmosphere, and mu_s =

cos(theta_s) where theta_s is the solar zenith angle."

In addition, note the following notation (Vermote et al., 1997):

T_g Gaseous transmission of water vapor, carbon dioxide,

oxygen, and ozone.

P TOA Reflectance at the top of the atmosphere. I

P R+A Intrinsic reflectance of the molecule+aerosol layer. I

T dn Total transmission of the atmosphere on the path I

between the sun and the surface.

T_up Total transmission of the atmosphere on the path

between the surface and the sensor.

S Spherical albedo of the atmosphere.

Page 17
9.2 Data Processing Sequence

9.2.1 Processing Steps

The seven spectral bands of the MMR used in this data set are: 0.45-0.52 ]am (MMRl-blue),

0.51-0.52 ]am (MMR2-green), 0.63-0.68 ]am (MMR3-red), 0.75-0.88 ]am (MMR4-near-infrared or

infrared), 1.17-1.33 ]am (MMR5-first middle infrared), 1.57-1.80 ]am (MMR6-second middle

infrared), and 2.08-2.37 ]am (MMR7-farthest middle infrared). The MMR sensor voltages were

processed to at-sensor radiance (W/m2 pm sr) following procedures described in Markham et al.

(1988). Calibration coefficients were obtained before and after the deployment at NASA GSFC and

onsite during the deployment using a portable calibration apparatus. The individual data scans were

examined and the obvious spurious values were removed. The mean helicopter MMR radiances, along

with near-simultaneous sunphotometer data collected by the Remote Sensing Science (RSS)-11

automated ground network, were then input into Version 3.2 of 6S (Vermote et al., 1997) to obtain

at-surface reflectance factors corrected for atmospheric effects. The 6S software is public domain and

available via anonymous ftp at kratmos.gsfc.nasa.gov. The RSS-11 surface-based network of

sunphotometers provided estimates of aerosol optical depths, which varied spatially and temporally,

especially during the summer, due to the prevalence of smoke from forest fires. Sunphotometer

measurements taken from the helicopter platform at data collection altitudes were not available at the

time of this analysis.

9.2.2 Processing Changes

None.

9.3 Calculations

9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments

None.

9.3.2 Calculated Variables

At-sensor and at-surface reflectance factors.

9.4 Graphs and Plots

None.

10. Errors

10.1 Sources of Error

Potential sources of error include radiometric calibration; spectral calibration; physical

(environmental and human) conditions (including helicopter vibration, minor changes in helicopter

altitude and inclination); atmospheric conditions, including atmospheric parameters estimated from the

surface sunphotometer network; and the atmospheric correction algorithm (Vermote et al., 1997).

10.2 Quality Assessment

10.2.1 Data Validation by Source

Visual quality assessment was performed during data collection. See reference list and helicopter

logs.

10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment

A thorough quantitative error analysis is given in Markham et al (1988).

Page 18
10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters

Confidence intervals for the at-sensor radiance values presented in this data set are within 3% of

actual for the visible/near-infrared, 5% of actual for the mid-infrared, and +/- 5-6% for MMR channel

8. The possibility of errors being introduced into the data set increases with additional manipulations of

the data. For an in-depth discussion of error considerations, see Markham et al. (1988).

10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments

A complete quality assessment is provided in the helicopter logs. In addition, see Walthall et al.

(1997).

10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

BORIS personnel have performed some quality checks of the data in the process of loading the

data into the data base. A subset of site information has been extracted and compared with TM

reflectance values.

11. Notes

11.1 Limitations of the Data

Data collected over sparse canopies and with extreme solar geometry (i.e., early morning/late

afternoon observations) will contain substantial amounts of shadow, which may complicate the

retrieval of surface vegetation parameters.

In addition, isolated atmospheric events (such as forest fires or scattered cloudiness) reduce the

certainty in the atmospheric correction. The use of surface-measured atmospheric variables contributes

to error in the data set in those cases.

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

A few spurious values are present in the data for MMR channel 8; the problems associated with

these values have not yet been ascertained. In addition, helicopter data logs for IFCs 1, 2, and 3 are

available.

Input solar geometry (solar zenith angle and azimuth) used in Vermote et al. (1997) atmospheric

correction is in error by -1 hour for 08-June-1994 Flight A observations.

11.3 Usage Guidance

None given.

11.4 Other Relevant Information

See helicopter logs.

12. Application of the Data Set

Research questions that may be examined with these data include:

• Retrieval of leaf area index (LAI) from spectral vegetation index.

• Scaling of spectral response in boreal regions (in combination with other BOREAS data sets).

None.

13. Future Modifications and Plans

Page 19
14. Software

14.1 Software Description

The software used in the atmospheric correction of this data set was 6S, Version 3.2 (Vermote et

al., 1997).

14.2 Software Access

This software is public domain and available via anonymous ftp at kratmos.gsfc.nasa.gov.

15. Data Access

The helicopter-based radiometric data are available from the Earth Observing System Data and

Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive

Center (DAAC).

15.1 Contact Information

For BOREAS data and documentation please contact:

ORNL DAAC User Services

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

P.O. Box 2008 MS-6407

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6407

Phone: (423) 241-3952

Fax: (423) 574-4665

E-mail: ornldaac@ornl.gov or ornl@eos.nasa.gov

15.2 Data Center Identification

Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory

(ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for Biogeochemical Dynamics

http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/.

15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data

Users may obtain data directly through the ORNL DAAC online search and order system

[http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/] and the anonymous FTP site [ftp://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/data/] or by

contacting User Services by electronic mail, telephone, fax, letter, or personal visit using the contact

information in Section 15.1.

15.4 Data Center Status/Plans

The ORNL DAAC is the primary source for BOREAS field measurement, image, GIS, and

hardcopy data products. The BOREAS CD-ROM and data referenced or listed in inventories on the

CD-ROM are available from the ORNL DAAC.

16.1 Tape Products

None.

16.2 Film Products

None.

16. Output Products and Availability

Page 20
16.3 Other Products

These data are available on the BOREAS CD-ROM series.

17. References

17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

Markham, B.L., F.M. Wood Jr., and S.P. Ahmad. 1988. Radiometric calibration of the reflective

bands of NS001-thematic mapper simulator (TMS) and modular multispectral radiometers (MMR). in

Recent Advances in Sensors Radiometry and Data Processing for Remote Sensing Proc., SPIE 24,

pp. 96-108.

Robinson, B.F., R.E. Buckley, and J.A. Burgess. 1981. Performance evaluation and calibration of a

modular multiband radiometer for remote sensing field research. SPIE Vol. 308, Contemporary

Infrared Standards and Calibration, pp. 146-157.

17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports

Loechel S., C.L. Walthall, E. Brown de Colstoun, J. Chen, and B. Markham. 1996. Spatial and

temporal variability of surface cover at BOREAS using reflectance from a helicopter platform.

International Geosciences and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) Spring 1996, Lincoln, NE.

Loechel, S.E., C.L Walthall, E. Brown de Colstoun, J. Chen, B.L. Markham, and J. Miller. 1997.

Variability of boreal forest reflectances as measured from a helicopter platform. Journal of Geophysical

Research, 102(D24):29,495-29,503.

Markham, B.L., F.M. Wood Jr., and S.P. Ahmad. 1988. Radiometric calibration of the reflective

bands of NS001-thematic mapper simulator (TMS) and modular multispectral radiometers (MMR). In

Recent Advances in Sensors Radiometry and Data Processing for Remote Sensing Proc., SPIE 24,

pp. 96-108.

Newcomer, J., D. Landis, S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J. Nickeson,

A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers, eds. 2000. Collected Data of The

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM.

Robinson, B.F., R.E. Buckley, and J.A. Burgess. 1981. Performance evaluation and calibration of a

modular multiband radiometer for remote sensing field research. In: Contemporary Infrared Standards

and Calibration, Proc. SPIE Int. Soc. Opt. Eng., 308, 147-157..

Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version

1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94).

Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version

1996-2.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 96).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994

Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 94).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1997. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1996

Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 96).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, H. Margolis, B. Kelly, D. Baldocchi, G. den Hartog, J. Cihlar, M.G. Ryan, B.

Goodison, P. Crill, K.J. Ranson, D. Lettenmaier, and D.E. Wickland. 1995. The boreal

ecosystem-atmosphere study (BOREAS): an overview and early results from the 1994 field year.

Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 76(9): 1549-1577.

Page 21
Sellers,P.J.,F.G.Hall, R.D.Kelly, A. Black, D. Baldocchi,J. Berry, M. Ryan,K.J. Ranson,P.M.

Crill, D.P.Lettenmaier,H. Margolis,J.Cihlar, J.Newcomer,D. Fitzjarrald,P.G.Jarvis,S.T.

Gower,D. Halliwell, D. Williams, B. Goodison,D.E.Wickland, andF.E.Guertin.1997.BOREAS

in 1997:ExperimentOverview,ScientificResultsandFutureDirections.Journalof Geophysical

Research102(D24):28,731-28,770.

Strebel,D.E.,D.R. Landis,K.F. Huemmrich,andW.W. Meeson.1994.CollectedDataof TheFirst

ISLSCPFieldExperiment,Volume 1:SurfaceObservationsandNon-ImageDataSets.Publishedon

CD-ROMby NASA.

VermoteE.,D. Tanre,andJ.J.Morcrette.1997.Secondsimulationof thesatellitesignalin thesolar

spectrum6S:anoverview.IEEE Trans.Geosci.RemoteSens.vol. 35no. 3, pp.675.

Vermote,E., D. Tanre,J.L.Deuze,M. Herman,andJ.J.Morcrette.1996.Secondsimulationof the

satellitesignalin thesolarspectrum(6S),6SUserGuideVersion1,October7, 1996.Universityof

Maryland/Laboratoired'OptiqueAtmospherique,216pp.(availablevia anonymousftp at

kratmos.gsfc.nasa.gov).

Walthall,C. andE.Middleton.1992.Assessingspatialandseasonalvariationsin grasslandswith

spectralreflectancesfrom ahelicopterplatform.J Journalof GeophysicalResearch,

97(D17):18,905-18,912.

Walthall, C.,D.L. Williams, B. Markham,J.Kalshoven,andR. Nelson.1996.Developmentand

presentconfigurationof theNASA GSFC/WFFhelicopter-basedremotesensingsystem.International

GeosciencesandRemoteSensingSymposium(IGARSS)Spring1996,Lincoln NE.

Walthall, C.,S.E.Loechel,K.F. Huemmrich,E. Brown deColstoun,J.Chen,B.L. Markham,J.

Miller, andE.A. Walter-Shea.1997.SpectralInformationContentof theBorealForest,10th

InternationalColloquiumonPhysicalMeasurementsandSignaturesin RemoteSensing,International

Societyfor PhotogrammetryandRemoteSensing,Courchevel,France.

17.3 Arehive/DBMS Usage Documentation

None.

None given.

18. Glossary of Terms

Page 22
19. List of Acronyms

6S

A/D

AGL

ASAS

ASCII

BOREAS

BORIS

BRDF

BSQ

BVP

CCD

CD-ROM

DAAC

EOS

EOSDIS

FIFE

FOV

GIS

GSFC

HTML

IFC

IFOV

ISLSCP

LAI

MMR

NAD83

NASA

NSA

OA

OBS

OJP

ORNL

PANP

- Second Simulation of the Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum

- Analog-to-digital

- Above Ground Level

- Advanced Solid-state Array Spectroradiometer

- American Standard Code for Information Interchange

- BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study

- BOREAS Information System

- Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function

- Band Sequential

- Beaver Pond

- Charge-Coupled Device

- Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory

- Distributed Active Archive Center

- Earth Observing System

- EOS Data and Information System

- First ISLSCP Field Experiment

- Field of View

- Geographic Information System

- Goddard Space Flight Center

- HyperText Markup Language

- Intensive Field Campaign

- Instantaneous Field of View

- International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project

- Leaf Area Index

- Modular Multiband Radiometer

- North American Datum of 1983

- National Aeronautics and Space Administration

- Northern Study Area

- Old Aspen

- Old Black Spruce

- Old Jack Pine

- Oak Ridge National Laboratory

- Prince Albert National Park

PARABOLA - Portable Apparatus for Rapid Acquisition of Bidirectional

Observations of the Land and Atmosphere

POLDER

RSS

SE-590

SSA

TM

URL

UTM

WFF

YA

YJP

- Polarization and Directionality of Earth's Reflectances

- Remote Sensing Science

- Spectron Engineering spectroradiometer

- Southern Study Area

- Thematic Mapper

- Uniform Resource Locator

- Universal Transverse Mercator

- Wallops Flight Facility

- Young Aspen

- Young Jack Pine

Page 23
20. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Date

Written: 31-Oct- 1995

Last Updated: 06-Jul- 1999

20.2 Document Review Date(s)

BORIS Review: 28-Nov- 1998

Science Review: 22-May- 1998

20.3 Document ID

20.4 Citation

If this data set is referenced by another investigator, please acknowledge this document and the

paper by Loechel et al., 1997, listed in Section 17.

If using data from the BOREAS CD-ROM series, also reference the data as:

Walthall, C.L., "Biophysical Significance of Spectral Vegetation Indices in the Boreal Forest." In

Collected Data of The Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. Eds. J. Newcomer, D. Landis, S.

Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J. Nickeson, A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R.

Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers. CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

Also, cite the BOREAS CD-ROM set as:

Newcomer, J., D. Landis, S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J.

Nickeson, A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers, eds. Collected Data of

The Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

Page 24
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE FormApproved

OMB No. 0704-0188

Public reporting burden for this collection of informationis estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,

gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this

collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson

Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503.

1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED

July 2000 Technical Memorandum

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Technical Report Series on the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

6. AUTHOR(S)

C.L, Walthall, S. Loechel, and E. Brown de Colstoun

Forrest G. Hall and Jaime Nickeson, Editors

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC 20546-0001

5. FUNDING NUMBERS

923

RTOP: 923-462-33-01

8. PEFORMING ORGANIZATION

REPORT NUMBER

2000-03136-0

10. SPONSORING / MONITORING

AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

TM--2000-209891

Vol. 46

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

C.L. Walthall: U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service; S. Loechel and E. Brown de Colstoun:

University of Maryland; J. Nickeson: Raytheon ITSS

12a. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Unclassifie_Unlimited

Subject Category: 43

Report available from the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information,

7121 Standard Drive, Hanover, MD 21076-1320. (301) 621-0390.

12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

The BOREAS RSS-3 team acquired helicopter-based radiometric measurements of forested sites with

a Barnes MMR. The data were collected in 1994 during the three BOREAS IFCs at numerous tower

and auxiliary sites in both the NSA and SSA. The 15-degree FOV of the MMR yielded approximately

79-m ground resolution from an altitude of 300 m. The MMR has seven spectral bands that are similar

to the Landsat TM bands, ranging from the blue region to the thermal. The data are stored in tabular

ASCII files. The data are stored in tabular ASCII files.

14. SUBJECT TERMS

BOREAS, remote sensing science, Barnes MMR.

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