Neural Network and Multiple Linear Regression for Estimating Surface Albedo from ASTER Visible and Near-Infrared Spectral Bands

Abstract

Abstract The current Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)-based broadband albedo model requires shortwave infrared bands 5 (2.145–2.185 nm), 6 (2.185–2.225 nm), 8 (2.295–2.365 nm), and 9 (2.360–2.430 nm) and visible/near-infrared bands 1 (0.52–0.60 nm) and 3 (0.78–0.86 nm). However, because of sensor irregularities at high temperatures, shortwave infrared wavelengths are not recorded in the ASTER data acquired after April 2008. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the performance of artificial neural networks (ANN) in estimating surface albedo using visible/near-infrared bands available in the data obtained after April 2008. It also compares the outcomes with the results of multiple linear regression (MLR) modeling. First, the most influential spectral bands used in the current model as well as band 2 (0.63–0.69 nm) (which is also available after April 2008 in the visible/near-infrared part) were determined by a primary analysis of the data acquired before April 2008. Then, multiple linear regression and ANN models were developed by using bands with a relatively high level of contribution. The results showed that bands 1 and 3 were the most important spectral ones for estimating albedo where land cover consisted of soil and vegetation. These two bands were used as the study input, and the albedo (estimated through a model that utilized bands 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9) served as a target to remodel albedo. Because of its high collinearity with band 1, band 2 was identified less effectively by MLR as well as ANN. The study confirmed that a combination of bands 1 and 3, which are available in the current ASTER data, could be modeled through ANN and MLR to estimate surface albedo. However, because of its higher accuracy, ANN method was superior to MLR in developing objective functions.