Supersite Calibration/Validation Data 

The Supersite calibration and validation dataset comprises of a coordinated collection of in situ and remotely sensed measurements acquired at flux tower sites across Australia. These sites are part of TERN’s ecosystem monitoring network and were selected to represent major Australian biomes, providing well-instrumented, long-term reference locations for Earth observation research. The datasets span the following Supersites: Chowilla, Credo, Injune, Karawatha, Litchfield, Robson Creek, Rushworth Forest, Southeast Queensland, Samford, Tumbarumba, Warra, and Zig Zag Creek. Together, these sites cover a broad range of ecosystem types, from arid and semi-arid woodlands and shrublands through to temperate and tropical forests, supporting cross-biome calibration and validation of remote sensing products. Field and airborne campaigns at these sites were designed to capture spatially and temporally aligned data across multiple scales, supporting the link between ground measurements and satellite observations. Data collected includes airborne imagery, terrestrial laser scanning, and a broad range of field-based biophysical and structural measurements. Datasets were collected using consistent protocols, as described in the associated metadata records:

• Airborne Hyperspectral and LiDAR Data
• Sunphotometer Aerosol Optical Depth and Ozone
• Terrestrial Laser Scans
• SLATS Star Transects
• Hemispherical Photography
• Tree Structural Characteristics

 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Data and methods are the result of collaboration across government, academia, and industry. 

The datasets provides detailed, multi-scale characterisation of vegetation structure, composition, and condition, and is primarily intended to support calibration and validation of satellite-derived products. By combining observations across ground, airborne, and satellite platforms, it enables scaling, algorithm development, and independent assessment of Earth observation data and their associated uncertainties. 

Data not provided.