Haoran led a study published in Remote Sensing of Environment.
This study reveals that measuring the near-infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRvP) in the “hotspot” direction—where satellite sensors align with the sun’s path—offers a stronger correlation with gross primary productivity (GPP) than traditional nadir observations. This breakthrough highlights the potential of unconventional observation angles to improve GPP estimation and enhance ecological monitoring.
Using data from DSCOVR and MODIS satellites, alongside SCOPE model simulations, we found that hotspot NIRvP significantly outperforms nadir-based measurements across ecosystems. These findings promote innovative sun-tracking satellite strategies, promising more accurate tracking of ecosystem productivity and advancing our understanding of the global carbon cycle.
Liu, H.; Xiao, J.; Hao, D.; Li, F.; Ji, F.; Chen, M. Importance of viewing angle: hotspot effect improves the ability of satellites to track terrestrial photosynthesis. Remote Sens. Environ. 2025, 317, 114492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2024.114492