Radiative Transfer Modeling and Vegetation Traits Retrieved by Multispectral Remote Sensing

Dear Colleagues,

Since the 1970s, radiative transfer models (RTMs) have evolved from simple homogeneous turbid medium models (e.g., the SAIL model) to advanced frameworks that are capable of accurately representing complex canopy structures and optical properties. Early RTMs simplified canopies as continuous turbid media to simulate radiation absorption, scattering, and transmission. Advances in computational power and the understanding of vegetation optics have since enabled 3D canopy structure modeling, greatly enhancing RTM precision and applicability for quantitative vegetation trait retrieval.

Meanwhile, multispectral remote sensing technology has provided a rich data foundation for RTMs. By capturing surface reflectance across spectral bands, it enables the extraction of vegetation traits such as chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI), and canopy cover—critical for ecological monitoring, precision agriculture, and climate assessments.

Integrating RTMs with multispectral remote sensing improves vegetation trait retrieval accuracy and addresses the challenges relating to environmental heterogeneity. This synergy advances vegetation monitoring technologies, supporting ecological research, environmental management, and sustainable development. Studies on RTM integration with emerging platforms, multisource data fusion, and diverse ecological applications are highly encouraged.

Articles may address, but are not limited, to the following topics:

1. Radiative transfer model (RTM) development and applications;
2. Three-dimensional canopy structure modeling and simulation;
3. Integration of RTMs with multispectral remote sensing;
4. Vegetation trait retrieval using RTMs;
5. Precision agriculture supported by RTMs and remote sensing;
6. RTM application in climate change studies;
7. Advancements in vegetation optical property modeling;
8. Emerging remote sensing platforms and RTM integration;
9. Multisource data fusion and synergy of RTMs in vegetation monitoring;
10. Radiative transfer models and data-driven integration;
11. Leaf trait retrieval on multisource data fusion.

Dr. Dan Li
Dr. Weiping Kong
Dr. Nanfeng Liu
Dr. Jing Liu
Dr. Yue Shi
Guest Editors

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