Integration of remote sensing and ancillary data for the estimation of vegetation processes in mediterranean areas

The estimation of vegetation processes by integrating the remote sensing and ancillary data in Mediterranean areas was studied. Environmental ancillary information was collected and digitized as a digital elevation model (DEM) and a forest map derived from the Forest Plan of Management of the area. Landsat TM images were used to estimate forest parameters, while leaf area index (LAI) values were derived from NDVI profiles. Specific air campaigns were carried out which aimed at the evaluation of optical high spatial resolution hyper-spectral data for Mediterranean vegetation monitoring.