Hydropt: An open-source framework for fast inverse modelling of multi-and hyperspectral observations from oceans, coastal and inland waters

T. Holtrop, H.J. Van Der Woerd

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Biomass estimation of multiple phytoplankton groups from remote sensing reflectance spectra requires inversion models that go beyond the traditional band-ratio techniques. To achieve this objective retrieval models are needed that are rooted in radiative transfer (RT) theory and exploit the full spectral information for the inversion. HydroLight numerical solutions of the radiative transfer equation are well suited to support this inversion. We present a fast and flexible Python framework for forward and inverse modelling of multi-and hyperspectral observations, by further extending the formerly developed HydroLight Optimization (HYDROPT) algorithm. Computation time of the inversion is greatly reduced using polynomial interpolation of the radiative transfer solutions, while at the same time maintaining high accuracy. Additional features of HYDROPT are specification of sensor viewing geometries, solar zenith angle and multiple optical components with distinct inherent optical properties (IOP). Uncertainty estimates and goodness-of-fit metrics are simul-taneously derived for the inversion routines. The pursuit to retrieve multiple phytoplankton groups from remotely sensed observations illustrates the need for such flexible retrieval algorithms that allow for the configuration of IOP models characteristic for the region of interest. The updated HYDROPT framework allows for more than three components to be fitted, such as multiple phytoplankton types with distinct absorption and backscatter characteristics. We showcase our model by evaluating the performance of retrievals from simulated Rrs spectra to obtain estimates of 3 phytoplankton size classes in addition to CDOM and detrital matter. Moreover, we demonstrate HYDROPTs capability for the inter-comparison of retrievals using different sensor band settings including coupling to full spectral coverage, as would be needed for NASA’s PACE mission. The HYDROPT framework is now made available as an open-source Python package.
Original languageEnglish
Article number3006
JournalRemote Sensing
Volume13
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2021

Funding

Funding: This research was funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) under grant no. ALW-GO 14-06.

FundersFunder number
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

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