Modelling the thermal signature of natural backgrounds

Abstract

A model for calculation of surface temperatures of different background elements like edge of forest, heather, rock and gravel has been developed. The model is based on a simple mathematical description of the physical processes involved in heat transfer to and from an outdoors natural surface. The same model is used for all background elements, but with different sets of model parameters. Example calculations for edge of forest and rock have been given, showing very good agreement with measured surface temperatures. For the example calculations, the model parameters have been estimated by fitting the model to measured surface temperatures. Finally, the model sensitivity to changes in model parameters have been discussed and it has been demonstrated that the model performs well even with model parameters estimated from datasets obtained at different geographical locations.