The Study Of Snow Depth Derivation From MODIS Data

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the correlation between snow depth and reflected spectrum of snow and discuss the feasibility of using MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data for the snow depth derivation. Furthermore, we have explored the most fitting MODIS bands combination and the model for snow depth derivation. The snow depth derivation in the Tianshan northern slope economic zone is experimented successfully.The whole study consists of:1) Introduction to the state of the art of quantitative analysis on snow depth by remote sensing and analysis on the superiority of MODIS data for snow depth derivation;2) Field-data measurement of the reflected spectrum of snow with ASD (Analytical Spectral Devices) and snow depth data and GPS data, collection of MODIS data between 2004, 12 and 2005, 3 and its auxiliary snow depth data from the observatory and field measured;3) Normalizing the field measured spectrum data of snow to eliminate the spectrum difference partly caused by the detecting time, rugged earth surface, and inconsistent illumination conditions, adjusting the MODIS data through Solar zenith correction and Geometry correction to ensure the precision of MODIS data-derived snow depth;4) Exploiting the most fitting MODIS bands in snow depth derivation with the correlation analysis between snow depth and normalized reflected spectrum data of snow;5) Building a model of snow depth derivation over Tianshan northern slope economic zone between 2004,12 and 2005,3;6) Concluding the limitations of the snow depth derivation model and further research issues.