Topographic Correction of Optical Remote Sensing Images in Mountainous Areas

Rugged terrain distorts optical remote sensing observations and subsequently impacts land cover classification and biophysical and biochemical parameter retrieval over mountainous areas. Therefore, topographic correction (TC) is a prerequisite for many remote sensing applications. Although various TC methods have been explored over the past four decades to mitigate topographic effects, a systematic and global review of these studies is still lacking. Using a multicomponent bibliometric approach, we extracted bibliometric metadata from 426 publications identified by searching titles, keywords, and abstracts for research on topographic correction and topographic effects in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) from 1980 to 2022. This systematic review revealed a rapid growth in the number of TC studies since the 1980s, primarily driven by the availability of decametric-resolution remote sensing observations and digital elevation models (DEMs). Most of the research has focused on relatively low-elevation regions, with increasing attention beyond American and European regions, particularly in China. The seasonal distribution of satellite acquisition for TC showed considerable imbalance, mainly concentrated in months with favorable solar illumination conditions (e.g., May to October). Important themes emerged from the keyword analysis, including satellite sensors, DEMs, TC methods, evaluation criteria, and applications.

Automated summary

Rugged terrain poses challenges to optical remote sensing, and topographic correction (TC) is crucial for accurate land cover classification and parameter retrieval. This systematic review examines 426 publications from 1980 to 2022, revealing a growing interest in TC driven by the availability of high-resolution remote sensing data and DEMs. Most studies focus on low-elevation regions, with increasing attention to China. Satellite acquisitions for TC show a seasonal imbalance, concentrated in months with favorable solar illumination.