Modeling specular reflectance and polarization in DART model for simulating remote sensing images of natural and urban landscapes

Abstract

The need of better accuracy to analyze remote sensing (RS) data and radiative budget (RB) of Earth surfaces explains the demand of physical models of RS and RB data. DART (Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer) model is probably the most comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) physical model. Indeed, with original ray tracking and Monte Carlo methods for tracking radiation in the Earth and atmosphere from visible to thermal infrared wavelengths, it simulates the 3D RB and acquisitions of terrain / RS imaging radiometers and laser scanners, for any urban / natural landscape and any experimental / instrumental configuration. Paul Sabatier delivers free licenses for research and teaching activities. After introducing DART theory, we present recent advances: simulation of LiDAR and airborne sensors, and modeling of specular interaction and polarization.