EO data provide global scale, consistent, repetitive information on a range of processes affecting the terrestrial carbon budget. Maximum return on these data is achieved by combining them with models, as shown in the figure below.

The EO experts in the Centre work closely with the modellers to provide state-of-the-art products for calibrating the models and, eventually, for direct assimilation into them. EO also provides important data for testing the models, and this feeds back into better models.

As well as interfacing existing data with the models, the EO team develops and exploits scattering and reflectance models describing how radiation interacts with vegetation and soils (and the atmosphere), and carries out ground-based and airborne experiments. This work has three main purposes: gaining a better understanding of current measurements, and finding ways to extract more and better information from them; investigating the fundamental limits of what can be achieved with EO data; helping us to prepare for future sensors. In combination with studies of sensor performance, this also helps us to quantify the uncertainties in the measurements and how these propagate into model calculations, which is a critical concern of the Centre.

Algorithm development, canopy modelling and field measurements
Integration of EO and DGVMs.
Estimation of biomass from RADAR coherence.
A CTCD EO derived GPP Product.