Uses and limitations of hemispherical photography for estimating forest light environments

Research Article

Jason R. Roxburgh 1,2

Dave Kelly 1,*

Plant and Microbial Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag, Christchurch 1, New Zealand
Present address: Department of Conservation, Waikato Conservancy, Private Bag 3072, Hamilton, New Zealand

* Corresponding author

Abstract:

We compare hemispherical (fisheye) photography and direct measurement using dataloggers for quantifying light intensity (photon flux density) in a New Zealand forest remnant. The hemispherical method was generally accurate, and faster than using dataloggers, but deviated from measured light intensity at low light levels (<20% of full sunlight). For deeply shaded sites, diazo-paper chemical light meters may be more suitable.

Keywords:

light intensity, hemispherical canopy photographs, fisheye photographs solar-radiation

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Uses and limitations of hemispherical photography for estimating forest light environments