Temporal, Spatial, and Environmental classification of Pine Reflectance Spectra

Abstract

To create consistent spectral data for evaluating geographical, chronological, and environmental differences or events in main Scots pine populations in Finland and Sweden, reflectance spectra from randomly sampled single pine individuals (N = 2069) were measured. The spectra were recorded in 1991-1993 during and after the growing season by using a mobile spectroradiometer working in the 390-1070 nm wavelength range. The spectral data was processed by using three independent statistical pattern recognition methods. Typical spectral shape differences between the growing seasons were observed due to the obvious phenological phase shift from year to year. This was verified by the observed differences inside the growing season. Longitudinal distinguishing characteristics of the pine spectra were greater than latitudinal ones. We are also able to classify pines growing in polluted and less polluted environments to the corresponding classes.