How is spectral reflectance defined?

Spectral reflectance is defined as the percentage of the total incident energy reflected from a surface at specific wavelengths. This measure is crucial in remote sensing and environmental science, as it helps characterize how different materials interact with light. By understanding spectral reflectance, scientists and researchers can analyze various surfaces, such as vegetation, soil, or water, to determine their properties, health, and even identify different materials.

In this context, the concept of spectral reflectance is specifically tied to the ratio of reflected energy to incident energy, expressed as a percentage. This means if a surface reflects a certain amount of light that falls on it, spectral reflectance enables us to quantify that proportion relative to the total light available. Accurately knowing this percentage is vital for tasks such as creating accurate land cover classifications or monitoring environmental changes over time.