Remote Sensing of Leaf Area Index and Clumping Index

Leaf area index (LAI) quantifies the amount of leaf area in a canopy, while clumping index (CI) characterizes the spatial distribution pattern of leaves in the canopy. Both parameters are essential for estimating radiation absorption and distribution in the canopy. They are therefore indispensable for process-based models for ecological, hydrological, meteorological, and climatological studies. This article provides an overview of ground-based LAI and CI measurement theories and techniques and their remote-sensing algorithms. Based on the review of Chen (2013), this article emphasizes on recent advances in remote sensing of these parameters, outstanding issues, and future research directions.