Exploring the Spectral Variability of Estonian Lakes Using Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy

This study investigates the potential of spaceborne imaging spectroscopy to support the analysis of the status of two major Estonian lakes, i.e., Lake Peipsi and Lake Võrtsjärv, using data from the PRISMA and EnMAP missions. The study encompasses nine specific applications across 12 satellite scenes...

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Main Authors: Alice Fabbretto, Mariano Bresciani, Andrea Pellegrino, Kersti Kangro, Anna Joelle Greife, Lodovica Panizza, François Steinmetz, Joel Kuusk, Claudia Giardino, Krista Alikas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8357
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author Alice Fabbretto
Mariano Bresciani
Andrea Pellegrino
Kersti Kangro
Anna Joelle Greife
Lodovica Panizza
François Steinmetz
Joel Kuusk
Claudia Giardino
Krista Alikas
author_facet Alice Fabbretto
Mariano Bresciani
Andrea Pellegrino
Kersti Kangro
Anna Joelle Greife
Lodovica Panizza
François Steinmetz
Joel Kuusk
Claudia Giardino
Krista Alikas
author_sort Alice Fabbretto
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the potential of spaceborne imaging spectroscopy to support the analysis of the status of two major Estonian lakes, i.e., Lake Peipsi and Lake Võrtsjärv, using data from the PRISMA and EnMAP missions. The study encompasses nine specific applications across 12 satellite scenes, including the validation of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs), optical water type classification, estimation of phycocyanin concentration, detection of macrophytes, and characterization of reflectance for lake ice/snow coverage. Rrs validation, which was performed using in situ measurements and Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 as references, showed a level of agreement with Spectral Angle < 16°. Hyperspectral imagery successfully captured fine-scale spatial and spectral features not detectable by multispectral sensors, in particular it was possible to identify cyanobacterial pigments and optical variations driven by seasonal and meteorological dynamics. Through the combined use of in situ observations, the study can serve as a starting point for the use of hyperspectral data in northern freshwater systems, offering new insights into ecological processes. Given the increasing global concern over freshwater ecosystem health, this work provides a transferable framework for leveraging new-generation hyperspectral missions to enhance water quality monitoring on a global scale.
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institution Kabale University
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spelling doaj-art-891ead1111c844b3b1579d805eb0f7052025-08-20T03:35:57ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-07-011515835710.3390/app15158357Exploring the Spectral Variability of Estonian Lakes Using Spaceborne Imaging SpectroscopyAlice Fabbretto0Mariano Bresciani1Andrea Pellegrino2Kersti Kangro3Anna Joelle Greife4Lodovica Panizza5François Steinmetz6Joel Kuusk7Claudia Giardino8Krista Alikas9Institute of Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment, National Research Council, 20133 Milan, ItalyInstitute of Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment, National Research Council, 20133 Milan, ItalyInstitute of Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment, National Research Council, 20133 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Remote Sensing, Tartu Observatory, University of Tartu, 61602 Tõravere, EstoniaInstitute of Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment, National Research Council, 20133 Milan, ItalyInstitute of Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment, National Research Council, 20133 Milan, ItalyHYGEOS, 59000 Lille, FranceDepartment of Remote Sensing, Tartu Observatory, University of Tartu, 61602 Tõravere, EstoniaInstitute of Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment, National Research Council, 20133 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Remote Sensing, Tartu Observatory, University of Tartu, 61602 Tõravere, EstoniaThis study investigates the potential of spaceborne imaging spectroscopy to support the analysis of the status of two major Estonian lakes, i.e., Lake Peipsi and Lake Võrtsjärv, using data from the PRISMA and EnMAP missions. The study encompasses nine specific applications across 12 satellite scenes, including the validation of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs), optical water type classification, estimation of phycocyanin concentration, detection of macrophytes, and characterization of reflectance for lake ice/snow coverage. Rrs validation, which was performed using in situ measurements and Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 as references, showed a level of agreement with Spectral Angle < 16°. Hyperspectral imagery successfully captured fine-scale spatial and spectral features not detectable by multispectral sensors, in particular it was possible to identify cyanobacterial pigments and optical variations driven by seasonal and meteorological dynamics. Through the combined use of in situ observations, the study can serve as a starting point for the use of hyperspectral data in northern freshwater systems, offering new insights into ecological processes. Given the increasing global concern over freshwater ecosystem health, this work provides a transferable framework for leveraging new-generation hyperspectral missions to enhance water quality monitoring on a global scale.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8357RrsPRISMAEnMAPwater qualityremote sensingLake Peipsi
spellingShingle Alice Fabbretto
Mariano Bresciani
Andrea Pellegrino
Kersti Kangro
Anna Joelle Greife
Lodovica Panizza
François Steinmetz
Joel Kuusk
Claudia Giardino
Krista Alikas
Exploring the Spectral Variability of Estonian Lakes Using Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy
Applied Sciences
Rrs
PRISMA
EnMAP
water quality
remote sensing
Lake Peipsi
title Exploring the Spectral Variability of Estonian Lakes Using Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy
title_full Exploring the Spectral Variability of Estonian Lakes Using Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy
title_fullStr Exploring the Spectral Variability of Estonian Lakes Using Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the Spectral Variability of Estonian Lakes Using Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy
title_short Exploring the Spectral Variability of Estonian Lakes Using Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy
title_sort exploring the spectral variability of estonian lakes using spaceborne imaging spectroscopy
topic Rrs
PRISMA
EnMAP
water quality
remote sensing
Lake Peipsi
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8357
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