articleReviews of GeophysicsApr 30, 2019BRONZE OA

An Overview of Global Leaf Area Index (LAI): Methods, Products, Validation, and Applications

Chinese Academy of Sciences · Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research · +3 more institutions

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Abstract

Abstract Leaf area index (LAI) is a critical vegetation structural variable and is essential in the feedback of vegetation to the climate system. The advancement of the global Earth Observation has enabled the development of global LAI products and boosted global Earth system modeling studies. This overview provides a comprehensive analysis of LAI field measurements and remote sensing estimation methods, the product validation methods and product uncertainties, and the application of LAI in global studies. First, the paper clarifies some definitions related to LAI and introduces methods to determine LAI from field measurements and remote sensing observations. After introducing some major global LAI products,…

Citation impact

888
total citations
FWCI
46.48
Percentile
100%
References
708
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Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Leaf area index
  • Remote sensing
  • Compositing
  • Environmental science
  • Vegetation (pathology)
  • Earth observation
  • Global change
  • Field (mathematics)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Climate action
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