Remote Sensing of Tropical Forest Plant Composition, Diversity, and Function

Remote sensing is an important tool for analysis of composition, diversity, and function of tropical forests on large spatial scales. The 50-ha forest inventory plot on Barro Colorado Island (BCI) and the small plot network across central Panama has allowed assessment of the spatial scales at which remote sensing products can give insight into species composition and diversity. Canopy crane access to the upper surface of tree crowns has enabled extensive work to determine how reflectance spectra and traits differ between liana versus host tree leaves and crowns. Finally, BCI and associated sites have contributed to the development of how remote sensing is used to assess tree functional characteristics, including leaf chemistry, photosynthesis, and phenology. The ongoing growth of field-based datasets and a long-term drone data collection campaign will continue to allow BCI and central Panama to serve as important sites for remote sensing of tropical forest function and diversity.