Spectral Reflectance Properties of Different Types of Built-Up Surfaces

Abstract

The spectral reflectance properties of features present on the Earth's surface play an important role in the interpretation and analysis of remote sensing data. Usually the surface materials and objects are characterized by their spectral reflectance properties, in optical remote sensing. This paper presents the results obtained from the ground-truth spectral reflectance measurements in the 450–900 nm wavelength range (i.e., in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths) for various built-up surfaces. These reflectance measurements are taken by using a multiband ground-truth radiometer, which gives satellite-simulated spectral reflectance data. The spectral reflectance data are collected over brick, mud and bituminous roads and bituminous airstrip surfaces, which are considered representative of different types of built-up surfaces in this investigation. The use of the reflectance properties of various types of built-up surfaces are discussed in the mapping, planning, and maintenance of these surfaces using remote sensing.