Global Leaf Area Index Field Measurements, 1932-2000

Approximately 1000 published estimates of leaf area index (LAI) from nearly 400 unique field sites, covering the period 1932-2000, have been compiled into a single data set. It provides a benchmark of typical LAI values for 15 biome and land cover types, supporting model development and validation of satellite-derived remote sensing estimates. The data are linked to a bibliography of over 300 original-source references.

Use Cases

• Benchmarking typical LAI values for biomes based on the 15 land cover classes.
• Validating satellite-derived remote sensing estimates of LAI using historical field measurements.
• Analyzing LAI distribution and variability across natural and managed ecosystems.
• Supporting model development for carbon dioxide and water vapor exchange studies.

Strengths

• Compiles approximately 1000 published estimates from nearly 400 unique field sites.
• Links data to a bibliography of over 300 original-source references.
• Covers a long temporal range from 1932 to 2000.

Limitations

• Data were collected using a wide range of methodologies and assumptions and may not be directly comparable among sites.
• Metadata completeness is low; column names and exact row counts are unknown across platforms.
• The most recent data point is from the year 2000, limiting contemporary relevance.

Provenance

Source

Scurlock, J. M. O., G. P. Asner, and S. T. Gower. 2001. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Collection Method

Compilation of published estimates from field measurements.

Time Range

1932-2000

Freshness

Last updated metadata on one platform is 2026-04-10, but the underlying data coverage ends in 2000.

Geography

Global