The bio-geophysical approach to remote sensing of vegetation in coupled human-environment systems–societal benefits and global context

Hyperspectral remote sensing has promised a new era in quantitative measurement of key properties of terrestrial systems. The high information content, mechanistic relationships between reflectance spectra and canopy, leaf and molecular properties, and combination of computing power, algorithm maturity and highly quantitative methodology provides the basis for delivery of key information into new international research and observation frameworks seeking to provide societal benefits. This paper describes current capacity of global biophysical remote sensing and defines products that could be delivered by a new sensor. New products could be particularly useful in description of ecosystem services.