Recent advances in geometrical optical modelling and its applications

Geometrical optical (GO) modelling applies to canopies with distinct architecture and is particularly appropriate for forest canopies. Although sophisticated 3‐dimensional radiative transfer models are developed, GO models remain attractive tools for remote sensing applications for their ability to capture the angular and spatial variabilities of reflectances using simple geometries defined by canopy architecture. In this paper, we review recent developments in GO modelling methodology and a wide range of applications of GO models for vegetation information retrieval. This review covers GO applications in both optical and thermal spectral regions. Existing problems and limitations of GO models will be discussed and future research directions are thus suggested.