Remote sensing basics — signature, reflectance, and Lambertian surfaces Choose the comprehensive correct statement set about object signatures, reflectance definition, and Lambertian behaviour in remote sensing.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Objects exhibit diagnostic responses across wavelengths, angles, and polarisations. Recognising these “signatures” and using physically consistent reflectance definitions are foundational to classification and biophysical retrievals. Lambertian behaviour is a useful idealisation for some calibration and modelling tasks.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Signature encompasses spectral, spatial, temporal, textural cues.
  • Reflectance R = reflected flux / incident flux, bounded [0, 1].
  • Lambertian surfaces have direction-independent radiance (perfect diffuse).


Concept / Approach:
Interpretation and algorithms use signatures to distinguish classes. Reflectance normalisation enables comparison across scenes. While real surfaces deviate from Lambertian, the assumption simplifies inversion and BRDF corrections in first order.


Step-by-Step Reasoning:

1) Identify signatures → mapping features like vegetation vs water.2) Define reflectance → key for radiometric calibration and indices.3) Recognise Lambertian ideal → constant radiance with cosine law of irradiance.


Verification / Alternative check:
Targets like Spectralon approximate Lambertian behaviour and are used for calibration.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Any single choice alone is incomplete; all three are correct together.
  • None of these: incorrect because the listed statements are standard.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all natural surfaces are Lambertian; ignoring BRDF effects that cause anisotropy in real data.


Final Answer:
All of these

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