Abstract

Hyperspectral imaging has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing the analysis of diverse soil properties and environmental monitoring. This study refines the precision of soil biogeophysical analyses by improving the estimation of soil moisture content (SMC), soil organic matter (SOM), total carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) through hyperspectral remote sensing techniques. The research examines the capabilities of two prominent moisture retrieval models: the multilayer radiative transfer model (MARMIT) and the modified soil water parametric (SWAP)-Hapke model. These models are evaluated using hyperspectral imagery derived from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and goniometric data collected across various environmental settings. The findings indicate that the MARMIT model performs well in field applications, particularly with UAS-derived imagery, and identify opportunities to optimize the SWAP-Hapke model for greater accuracy. Additionally, by integrating the PROSAIL, MARMIT, and SWAP-Hapke models with advanced statistical methods such as Elastic Net Regression and Gradient Boosted Regression Trees, the study improves the predictive modeling of soil organic matter, total carbon, and nitrogen in wetland ecosystems. Overall, the results highlight the potential of combining hyperspectral imaging with sophisticated modeling techniques, offering a more comprehensive understanding of soil properties and contributing to more effective environmental management and monitoring practices across diverse ecosystems.

Publication Date

12-2-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Imaging Science (Ph.D.)

Department, Program, or Center

Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science

College

College of Science

Advisor

Charles M. Bachmann

Advisor/Committee Member

Anna Christina Tyler

Advisor/Committee Member

Anthony Vodacek

Comments

This dissertation has been embargoed. The full-text will be available on or around 12/19/2025.

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Available for download on Friday, December 19, 2025

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