Coordinated German Contribution to the BIOMASS Cal/Val Activities
DE:CalVal
Calibration and validation activities are instrumental for evaluating the potential of the BIOMASS data products and underlying algorithms to the BIOMASS mission objectives.
Our efforts involve
- the collection of extensive databases of opportunity, with associate methods for comparison;
- setting up a novel network of high measurement intensity sites (contributing to https://geo-trees.org/)
- the design of observational campaigns to span the existing observational domains and forest density gradients
- the utilization of process-based modelling frameworks to support high level data interpretation and cross-variable consistency.
The DE:CalVal project directly supports this by combining harmonized in-situ, airborne and spaceborne datasets. Complementary missions such as TanDEM-X, with its fine-scale X-band SAR, and NASA’s GEDI LiDAR provide critical additional perspectives. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and UAV LiDAR campaigns will supply detailed 3D forest representations to assess sub-grid variability and validate biomass estimates. Moreover, process-based models like FORMIND link observed forest structure to biomass dynamics, enabling a deeper understanding of carbon cycling processes. By integrating BIOMASS-derived biomass and height with eddy covariance fluxes, sap flow data and local meteorology in advanced model–data assimilation frameworks, DECalVal will establish a unique foundation for evaluating BIOMASS products.
Work Packages
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