Global Leaf Area Index Field Measurements, 1932-2000

Approximately 1000 published leaf area index (LAI) estimates from nearly 400 unique field sites are compiled into a single benchmark dataset. The data, linked to over 300 source references, provides typical LAI values and ranges for 15 biome and land cover classes, supporting model development and satellite validation. Measurements are primarily from natural and semi-natural ecosystems, with a noted prevalence of data from needleleaf forests.

Use Cases

• Establishing biome-specific LAI benchmarks for model parameterization based on the compiled field measurements.
• Validating satellite-derived LAI products using the historical ground-truth data.
• Analyzing the distribution and variability of LAI across different land cover types, such as deserts versus tree plantations.
• Studying methodological impacts on LAI estimates by referencing the original source bibliography.

Strengths

• Compiles a historically significant temporal range of measurements from 1932 to 2000.
• Includes a substantial bibliography of over 300 original-source references for traceability.
• Provides specific statistical summaries (mean +/- standard deviation) for 15 biome classes.

Limitations

• Methodological heterogeneity across the nearly 400 sites means data may not be directly comparable.
• Metadata completeness is low; column names and exact row counts are not provided in the available sources.
• There is a conflict in the 'last updated' date between platforms (2000 vs. 2026), indicating potential metadata inconsistency.

Provenance

Source

Scurlock, J. M. O., G. P. Asner, and S. T. Gower. 2001. Compiled from published literature.

Collection Method

Compilation of published field estimates from scientific literature.

Time Range

1932-2000

Freshness

2026-04-10 02:25:48.732606

Geography

Global, from field sites worldwide.