WhiteRef: a new tower-based hyperspectral system for continuous reflectance measurements.

Area of Science:

• Ecosystem monitoring
• Remote sensing technology
• Biophysical parameter estimation

Background:

• Proximal sensing is crucial for monitoring ecosystem dynamics and upscaling in situ observations.
• Linking hyperspectral remote sensing with carbon fluxes and biophysical parameters is vital for model validation.
• A gap exists in continuous spectral measurements at Eddy Covariance (EC) sites, particularly in the Short Wave Infrared (SWIR).

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the WhiteRef, a novel hyperspectral system for continuous radiometric measurements at EC towers.
• To address the need for unattended spectral measurements in the SWIR region at EC sites.
• To evaluate the potential of the WhiteRef system for validating satellite vegetation products.

Main Methods:

• Development of the WhiteRef system based on the ASD FieldSpec Pro spectroradiometer.
• Deployment of the WhiteRef system for continuous measurements at EC towers.
• Analysis of system's functioning, advantages, and disadvantages.

Main Results:

• The WhiteRef system provides continuous spectral measurements, filling a gap in EC site instrumentation.
• The system is based on a robust, high-quality commercial spectroradiometer.
• The WhiteRef demonstrates clear potential for unattended measurements and satellite product validation.

Conclusions:

• The WhiteRef system is a valuable tool for continuous hyperspectral monitoring at EC sites.
• It facilitates the validation of satellite-derived vegetation products.
• The system addresses a critical need for SWIR spectral data in ecosystem research.