Context and objectives
In this project, we aim to take the first steps toward FRM by gathering the community involved in drone-based water Cal/Val to collect and discuss best practices. Indeed Ruddick et al. (2019) from the Belgian RBINS institute pointed out that the Cal/Val of satellite products requires high-quality in situ measurements, referred to as Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM). Before a measurement can be labelled as FRM, it should (i) be accompanied by an uncertainty budget, (ii) adhere to openly available measurement protocols and community-wide management practices, (iii) have documented evidence of International System of Units (SI) traceability and (iv) be independent of the satellite retrieval process.
The initial steps towards Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM) for drones are being taken through the SRIX4Veg project, with a specific focus on land vegetation. However, it should be noted that the protocols and findings from this project are not directly applicable to water-related studies due to the temporal and spatial dynamics of water and glint effects. Therefore, there is need for specific protocols that account for the dynamic nature of coastal and inland water bodies.
To move towards FRM data, the reliability and accuracy of measurements related to drone acquisition over water should be enhanced through a community-based/collective effort. This will pave the way for the integration of drones into satellite validation frameworks, making the measurements trusted and fit for the purpose of Cal/Val.
Project outcome
Expected scientific results
Task 1: Review of State-of-the-Art
This task focuses on reviewing the state-of-the-art, assessing existing calibration, flight, and processing approaches, and identifying applicable elements from other projects.
Sub-tasks:
• Review relevant literature.
• Identify reusable items from FRM4VEG & FRM4SOC applicable to water Cal/Val with drones.
• Prepare a draft report.
Task 2: Consultation with Key Players
The aim of this consultation is to gather different protocols and best practices, to identify gaps and limitations, and to agree on steps towards common protocols, …
Sub-tasks:
• Identify the community and key players.
• Prepare meeting objectives, agenda, and presentations.
• Consult key players through an online FRM4DRONES-AQUA workshop or through a site meeting at a conference (such as Living Planet, VH-RHODA, IOCS, IOCCG, GEO-AQUAWATCH, …), choice of conference is depending on the project's start date.
Task 3: Write Final Report
Sub-tasks:
• Compile a summary report with the outcomes and agreements reached during the workshop.
• Update the draft report with key findings and recommendations for future actions to engage the broader community.
Task 4: Dissemination/Outreach
Sub-tasks:
• Ensure deliverables, such as the final report, are well-visible to stakeholders like ESA and EU/Copernicus.
• Enhance the report's visibility through social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, ResearchGate)
• Engage in targeted discussions with stakeholders to raise awareness and promote broader dissemination.
| Project leader(s): | VITO - Remote Sensing - Teledetectie en aardobservatieprocessen | |
| Location: | ||
| Website: | https://remotesensing.vito.be/services/frm4drones-aquatic | |