CANOPY ANALYSIS WITH DIGITAL FISHEYE IMAGING

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LAI (Leaf Area Index)

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s e ic d in

Gap size and position

Gap fractions

s n io t a i ad R

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WinSCANOPY is a canopy analysis system based on hemispherical image analysis. It is available as a computer program alone or a complete system including camera, lens and accessories. Different models are offered ranging from low cost to high precision and full-featured.

RÉGENT INSTRUMENTS INC.

www.regentinstruments.com

SCANOPY is available in two configurations; WinSCANOPY for desktop analysis and PocketSCANOPY for field analysis. With WinSCANOPY, image analysis is done in the laboratory under the operator supervision rather than in the field. With this approach, pixels classification into canopy and sky can be closely and reliably monitored. No computer is required in the field for image acquisition. WinSCANOPY can also be used at remote locations on portable computers with Windows XP. With PocketSCANOPY image acquisition and analysis are done in the field. It runs on PocketPC computers (PDA) running the Windows Mobile 2003 operating system.

A SCANOPY turn-key system is made of: 1-) Image acquisition hardware which consists of a camera with fisheye lens and optional accessories (self-leveling mount, NorthFinder and remote controller). 2-) Computer software programs which consist of WinSCANOPY (Basic, Reg, Pro or DSLR) or PocketSCANOPY for hemispherical image analysis and XLScanopy (optional) for data manipulation and visualization.

1) IMAGE ACQUISITION COMPONENTS 1) A digital camera and a fish-eye lens. The cameras and lenses that we sell range from low cost point-and-shoot consumer grade cameras with a fixed lens and a fish-eye lens converter to high-end digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras with a fisheye lens. These are described on our web site at (www.regentinstruments.com). When purchased from Regent Instruments, cameras and lenses come with a calibration file that indicates to the WinSCANOPY program; 1) the radius of the 180 degree field of view area, 2) the position of the hemispherical projection in the image (as illustrated below, it can vary significantly among different cameras of the same model), 3) the coefficients that allow to compensate for non-linearities in the estimation of the zenith angle from the projected image and vice-versa and 4) miscellaneous information like the supported image resolutions (number of pixels horizontally and vertically), serial number, etc. If you decide to purchase a camera elsewhere, you must provide the calibration parameters yourself or purchase them from Regent Instruments (not offered for all cameras, so please contact us before making a purchasing decision). Most fish-eye lenses sold today have a field of view (FOV) slightly larger than 180 degrees. It is important to identify the hemisphere radius producing a FOV of 180 degrees otherwise the calculated projections in function of zenith (solar angle, leaf position) will contain errors. These images were taken with two different cameras of the same model. The hemispherical area position in the image differs. It is very very important to analyse the right area otherwise measurements will be erroneous.

2) A self-leveling O-Mount that holds the camera at horizontal level during image acquisition. We offer different models varying in weight and size (see our web site for a list of models). Automatic leveling saves time and reduces risk of manipulation errors. Our mounts have a round shape that optimizes space and weight (that is why we call them "O-Mount"). They are made of robust plastic. The camera can be removed and reinserted in a few seconds. A system firmly holds the camera and ensures it is always installed at the same position. A handle and a locking mechanism are provided for easy transportation.

Our Mini-O-Mount comes with a handle that can be removed if you Standard attachment prefer to use a monopod hole for mounting on standard mono or tripod. or tripod.

3) The Camera Remote Controller allows to trigger the camera at distances up to 25 or 75 meters (depending on the model). It is the ideal solution for acquiring images in forest canopies at different heights. Even at ground level, you will appreciate the ease of use compared to the camera's built-in timer. Unlike most remote controls sold with current digital cameras, our operating on radio wavelengths, is not affected by ambient light, don’t require that the camera be set to the remote timer mode, can be operated from behind the camera and works even when obstructed by tree branches and leaves. Copyright Regent Instruments Inc.

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4) The NorthFinder is an option for the O-Mount that indicates the north position around the camera fish eye lens (and in the image) in real time. It illuminates a very small light called a LED close to the fish-eye lens in the magnetic north direction. The LEDs are turned on or off to indicate north position as you rotate or move the mount. A very simple calibration procedure must be done once in a while by the user. This calibration, which takes only a few seconds, cancels out perturbations to the Earth's magnetic field caused by nearby objects (camera, mount, ...). Note: Do not confuse the NorthFinder with static LEDs found on other systems. Static systems LEDs are fixed and it’s the operator which must turn the mount so that the proper LED is aligned in the north direction. This takes much more time and is more prone to errors.

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The North Finder

2) IMAGE ANALYSIS IN WINSCANOPY To analyse an image, you must indicate which region to analyse (we call it the hemisphere). There are three methods to do so, depending on the information you have about your lens and camera. a) The easiest method is when you own a lens and camera that have been calibrated by Regent Instruments. In this situation WinSCANOPY reads from a calibration file the necessary parameters to identify the region to analyse. The only thing you have to do to analyse the hemisphere is to click the image. This file indicates to WinSCANOPY where is the centre of the image, what is the radius that produces a 180 degrees field of view and how to compensate for lens distortion. These parameters can easily be overidden to reduce the field of view at the zenith or the horizon for example. b) You can specify the region to analyse interactively by centering a circle into the hemispherical region to analyse. With simple mouse and keyboard commands the circle size and position is easily adjusted. c) You can specify the region to analyse numerically by entering the centre position and radius size in pixels. These parameters can be determined experimentally. When you release the mouse button after the creation of the hemisphere, WinSCANOPY automatically displays the hemisphere identification window that allows you to set the information specific to the image being analysed. You can customize this window’s information (you choose which information is shown) which includes details about the camera settings, localization, operators, weather etc.... Higher end versions of WinSCANOPY automatically extracts from the image file the camera and lens settings (time, date, exposure, aperture, camera model, firmware version...) that were used to acquire the image (useful to verify if the lens focal length was at the right position) and read GPS data (latitude, longitude and altitude) if such a device was connected to the camera at image acquisition. Some of this information is used for the analysis (latitude and longitude are used to calculate solar paths, for example) while the rest is included in the data files along with the measurements. When you click Ok in this identification window, the analysis begins and is displayed after completion. Once a hemisphere has been created, subsequent images produced with the same camera and lens can be analysed rapidly by activating a menu command. The hemisphere’s diameter and position in the image are also saved in the measurement data file so these parameters can be verified after the analysis. The analysis data and settings are also saved with the image (in the same tiff file) and can be retrieved later by WinSCANOPY for verification or reanalysis. If you open images that have a different resolution or aspect ratio than the one used for calibration, WinSCANOPY will automatically scale and reposition the hemisphere so that the right area is analysed.

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An analysed hemisphere. The number of sky regions it contains can easily be changed. Messages to the operator and partial analysis data are displayed here. More data can be found in SCANOPY’s data files. Information about a sky region can be displayed by clicking the sky region in the image. If at least one suntrack has been identified in the image, information about the closest point on the active suntrack to the clicked position in the image will also be displayed. This includes the date of the suntrack, the hour of the point on it and the instantaneous radiation value for that moment of the day.

The leftmost pop-up menu contains six items, each representing a different data type which can be displayed in the graphic. 1) Radiation above/below canopy per hour of the day 2) Radiation level above/below canopy per day 3) Gap fractions per elevation or azimuthal direction 4) Leaf angle distribution (cumulative or incremental) 5) Sunfleck frequency distribution 6) Sunfleck duration per day

Suntracks, each containing the sun’s position in the image for different hours of a particular day, are displayed with rainbow-style colors (the color is related to the intensity of direct PPFD radiation level above the canopy). The summer and winter solstices are drawn in blue.

DATA At the end of the analysis, data are automatically saved to files by WinSCANOPY in standard ASCII text format that is well adapted to manipulation into spreadsheet-style programs like Microsoft Excel. You have entire control on what is saved in data files. You can choose to save or not on an individual basis: 1) title lines that indicate each columns content, 2) the settings used to analyse the image (all parameters entered by the operator, if the image has been edited or processed before analysis), information about the camera, lens, image (size, name...) and the analysed hemisphere position and size to name a few and 3) the measurement data (LAI, Openness, Radiations...). Data produced by WinSCANOPY fall into six categories: 1-) Global data. These are measurements that have a single value for the entire image. Some examples of global data are the site factors, openness, daily radiation for the growing season and leaf area index. WinSCANOPY's analysis settings are also saved in the global data line along with the image information (file name, photo #, date, location,...). 2-) Gap fractions per sky region, per elevation ring and per direction. Openness per elevation ring. 3-) Radiation per day. This include six data types: direct and indirect (diffuse), above and below canopy and total radiation. These are output values for the sun position interval chosen by the operator (every three minutes for example) and a total values for the day. Radiation is clearly presented by day and month (10 June 2000) rather than by Julian or decimal days (like day 322). 4-) Leaf angle density and cumulative leaf angle density. 5-) A table of the percentage of time that direct radiation is received at the photo location; per hour for each month. 6-) Sunfleck distribution and duration.

THE XLSCANOPY UTILITY FOR DATA VISUALIZATION AND ANALYSIS When the time comes to visualize and analyse data produced by WinSCANOPY, XLScanopy is greatly appreciated. This is a utility program that has been designed to run in Microsoft Excel. It allows you to manipulate, reorganize and display measurement data graphically. This program is optional and can be ordered alone or with WinSCANOPY. It is very affordable and can save a lot of time and manipulation errors. XLScanopy can separate data, from one or many images, into different sheets as a function of their type (radiation; gap fractions; percentage of radiation per hour, per day or per month; leaf angle distribution;...). It can also average radiation measurements for any period of time (week or month for example) and display graphically different measurements for visualization or validation.

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3) MEASUREMENTS OF THE WINSCANOPY VERSIONS WinSCANOPY is available in four versions; Basic, Regular, Pro and DSLR and there is also PocketSCANOPY. The tables below lists and explains briefly which measurements are available per version. These version also differ by their features (ability to automatically extrac information from image files, to analyse 16 bits images...). Refer to our web site for the list of features per version. Note: (Y = Yes, N = No). Pocket

Basic

Reg

Pro

DSLR

Description

Gap fraction

Measurement

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Gap fraction is the fraction of pixels classified as open sky (unobstructed by vegetation) in a sky region of the image (in a two dimensional space). It is available as a global value for the hemisphere, per azimuthal direction, per elevation annulus, per sky region and per individual gap regions (outlined interactively by the operator).

Openness

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Openness is the fraction of open sky (unobstructed by vegetation) in a certain region of the canopy above the lens (in a three dimensional space). It takes into account the relative sphere area occupied by each elevation annuli when computing this value. It is sometimes called percent open sky. Openness is available as a global value for the hemisphere and per elevation annulus.

Leaf area index (LAI)

N

N

Y

Y

Y

LAI is a measure of leaf material quantity. It is defined as the leaf area (m2) per unit of ground area (m2). It is calculated by 4 methods, each with linear and logarithm averaging. The logarithm method produces better estimates for clumped canopies.

Leaf angle distribution (LAD) and mean leaf angle (MLA)

N

N

Y

Y

Y

LAD is the distribution of leaf inclinations and azimuthal angles in space (amount of leaf area projected in each direction).

Diffuse (indirect) radiation above and below canopy

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Theoretical models (user modifiable) are used to estimate the diffuse radiation levels (PPFD, photosynthetically active photon flux density) above and below the canopy. They are available as instantaneous and total daily values. When data are processed with XLScanopy, these data are also available as daily average per week, month and growing season periods of time.

Direct radiation above and below canopy

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Theoretical models (user modifiable) are used to estimate the direct radiation levels (PPFD, photosynthetically active photon flux density) above and below the canopy. They are available as instantaneous and total daily values. When data are processed with XLScanopy, these data are also available as daily average per week, month and growing season periods of time.

Indirect (diffuse) site factor

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Relative amount of incident diffuse radiation that penetrates below canopy for a specified period of time (the growing season).

Direct site factor

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Relative amount of incident direct radiation that penetrates below canopy for a specified period of time (the growing season).

Total site factor

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Relative amount of incident total (direct+diffuse) radiation that penetrates below canopy for a specified period of time.

Percentage of time that direct radiation is received below canopy

N

N

Y

Y

Y

The percentage of time that direct radiation reaches the site location per hour and month.

Individual canopy gaps analysis

N

N

N

Y

Y

Gap area, position in sky, gap fraction and radiation data are measured for each region that the operator traces the outline in the image.

Ground slope

N

N

Y

Y

Y

To get more accurate LAI and radiations calculations when the ground is not horizontal.

Number of sky regions with a gap fraction value of zero

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

These regions should be minimized to increase the precision of the log-average LAI methods.

Clumping factor

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Gives an estimate of leaf clumping.

Sunfleck distribution and daily duration

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Sunfleck distribution is the number of sunflecks in function of the duration in minutes for the growing season. Sunfleck daily duration is the total duration in minutes of all sunflecks for each day of the growing season.

Note: Versions can be upgraded at any time to a higher version simply by paying the difference of cost between the two versions.

THE WINSCANOPY DSLR VERSION DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras. These cameras are high-end digital models that operate like professional 35mm film cameras. DSLR camera lenses are fully interchangeable. These cameras don’t have a non removable lens like Point & Shoot cameras. They accept standard high quality lenses made for 35mm film cameras or newer more compact lenses made specifically for them. Our DSLR cameras are completely automatic (the camera sets the proper exposure and aperture) but all of them allow complete manual control over camera settings. The typical resolution of images produced by DSLR cameras is in the range of 6 to 12 megapixels (please verify before purchasing as this information is subject to change). The images they produce have an outstanding image clarity and definition. The WinSCANOPY DSLR version has its default settings configured for DSLR camera’s images which have a different aspect ratio than Point & Shoot cameras. It can also analyse images with 10 to 16 bits of grey levels information produced by such high end cameras and it can extract GPS information from camera image files when a GPS unit is connected to the camera (only some models support this feature and GPS units are not sold by Regent Instruments).

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4) FEATURES OF THE WINSCANOPY VERSIONS WinSCANOPY is available in four versions; Basic, Regular, Pro and DSLR and there is also PocketSCANOPY. The tables below lists and explains briefly which measurements are available per version. These version also differ by their features (ability to automatically extrac information from image files, to analyse 16 bits images...). Refer to our web site for the list of features per version. Note: (Y = Yes, N = No). Feature

Pocket

Basic

Reg

Pro

DSLR

Description

Analysis done in one or two steps. Can go backward one step and can be stopped.

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

The two steps of the analysis are: 1) Pixels classification and 2) canopy analysis. Allows to 1) view and modify the pixels classification, 2-) create or edit masks, 3-) create interactive gap regions and 4) choose other analysis settings before the analysis is complete. A progress bar is shown during analysis. The analysis can be stopped by pressing a keyboard key or can go backward one step at any time.

User selectable number of sky regions (sky grid)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Choose how many elevation rings or azimuthal pie slices the hemisphere is divided into.

Interactive / Batch mode analysis

N/N

Y/Y

Y/Y

Y/Y

Y/Y

Interactive analysis requires the operator presence. Batch mode analysis can analyse images without operator supervision (during the night for example). Batch analysis should be used with care as monitoring of pixels classification is not possible (except if done a priori).

Equal/Unequal view angle sky elevation annuli.

Y/N

Y/N

Y/Y

Y/Y

Y/Y

With equal view angles, WinSCANOPY divides the FOV equally among a specified number of annuli. Each elevation annulus has the same field of view. / With unequal annuli, you specify the beginning and ending of elevation annuli

Multiple passes analysis.

N

N

N

Y

Y

WinSCANOPY can process images in multiple passes by successively analyzing it under different analysis parameters (growing season, radiation model, sky grid divisions...) that you choose.

Analyse grey levels images with 10 to 16 bits per pixel.

N

N

N

N

Y

Relative amount of incident diffuse radiation that penetrates below canopy for a specified period of time (the growing season).

Print any image used in the analysis

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Images can be printed with their analysis marks over them (suntracks, sky grid...) and with or without the accompanying graphic (which can also be printed/saved individually). Note: the basic version will only print the analysis or features present in this version (not the graphic for example).

Save the analysis with the original image

(-)

Y

Y

Y

Y

An image that has been analysed can be saved in tiff format with its complete analysis. When such images are loaded in WinSCANOPY, the analysis is automatically recreated and displayed and can be modified. WinSCANOPY can set itself to the same settings as when the image was saved or discard the analysis and keep its current setting.

Automatic extraction of photo number from images file name

N

N

N

Y

Y

From the image file name (ex: ABC00123.jpeg), WinSCANOPY will automatically extract the number (123) and write it in the sample identification window at the beginning of the analysis.

Automatic extraction of camera settings from image files

N

N

N

Y

Y

When a photo is acquired, most digital cameras store their settings in the image files. WinSCANOPY automatically extract this information, displays it on screen before analysing the sample and save it with the analysis data. Some of the information that is automatically read and recopied to the analysis data is: 1-) lens focal length (to make sure that the lens was set to the focal length it was calibrated), 2-) lens aperture, 3-) camera exposure time, 3-) camera manufacturer, model and firmware, 4-) acquisition date and time, 5-) ISO and exposure program and 6-) metering mode. (This list is not complete).

Extract GPS information from image files

N

N

N

N

Y

You can connect a GPS (global positioning system) to some high end cameras to precisely know the location (latitude, longitude and altitude) where the images are acquired. WinSCANOPY will automatically extract this information when it is present in image files so you won’t have to enter them during the analysis.

Select a color channel for viewing and analysis.

N

N

N

Y

Y

A color image can be viewed and analysed:1-) in RGB color space, 2-) in true grey levels (converted from the three color channels not just from the green channel as some cameras or programs do), 3-) in its red, green or blue channel.

Image edition

(-)

N

Y

Y

Y

To remove artifacts or defects. Images can be edited with pre-defined colors or with any color present in the image.

Lens calibration

N

N

Y

Y

Y

9th order polynomial to compensate for non linearity in zenithal projection

Global threshold pixels classification method

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Light intensity (grey level) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy.

Hemispherical threshold pixels classification method

N

N

N

Y

Y

Light intensity (grey level) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy taking into account the light variations of hemispherical lenses.

Solar threshold pixels classification method

N

N

N

Y

Y

Light intensity (grey level) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy taking into account the light variations due to the sun in the image.

Color based pixels classification method

(-)

N

N

Y

Y

True color information (RGB and hue, intensity and saturation) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy

View/modify the pixels classification before or after the analysis.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

As you change the classification parameters, the resulting classification is shown over the image.

Masks

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

To prevent some parts of the image from being analysed (see next section).

Graphic above the image.

N

N

Y

Y

Y

To view measurement data (radiation above and below canopy per hour, leaf angle distribution, sunfleck distribution...) graphically while the image is being analysed.

Substitute or modify theorical direct and diffuse radiation.

(-)

N

Y

Y

Y

Modification of default theoretical values can be done on an hourly basis by month.

Choice of two diffuse (indirect) radiation models.

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Uniform Overcast (UOC) and Standard Overcast (SOC) are two models commonly used to quantify how diffuse radiation is distributed in function of elevation.

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5) MORE ABOUT SOME OF WINSCANOPY’S FEATURES AND MEASUREMENTS LAI METHODS WinSCANOPY has four methods of calculating LAI; Bonhomme and Chartier: This method is based on the assumption that at 67.5 degrees of elevation, gap fraction is insensitive to leaf angle and can be related to LAI. LAI-2000 original: This method is similar to that used in Li-Cor’s LAI-2000 canopy analyzer which is based on the work of Miller (1967) and Welles and Norman (1991). It uses linear regression to relate LAI to gap fractions at different elevations. LAI-2000 generalized: This method is similar to the LAI-2000 original method. The formulae used for calculations originate from the same theory but have been generalized for any number of elevation rings and field of view. Ellipsoid (Campbell): This method (Campbell, 1985) assumes that leaf area density distribution in canopies is ellipsoidal and uses non-linear curve fitting to relate LAI to gap fractions. • Bonhomme R. & Chartier P. 1972. The Interpretation and Automatic Measurement of Hemispherical Photographs to Obtain Sunlit Foliage Area and Gap Frequency. Israel Journal of Agricultural Research 22. pp. 53-61. • Miller J.B. 1967, A formula For Average Foliage Density. Aust. J. Bot. 15, pp. 141-144. • Welles J. M. and Norman J. M. 1991, Instrument for Indirect Measurement of Canopy Architecture, Agronomy Journal 83, pp. 818-825. • Campbell G.S., 1985. Extinction Coefficients for Radiation in Plant Canopies Calculated Using an Ellipsoidal Inclination Angle Distribution. Agric. For. Meteorol., 36, pp. 317-321.

LEAF CLUMPING In conifer forests, where leaves are clumped and not evenly distributed in space, optical instruments which use indirect methods are known to underestimate LAI. Many approaches have been proposed to overcome this. Some researchers multiply the calculated LAI by a factor that takes into account how the leaf elements are grouped. This approach is not always easily applicable. WinSCANOPY uses the log-averaging of segments of annuli as reported in the scientific literature instead. This method has reduced the underestimation and is better adapted to canopies where the scale of clumping is not uniform. WinSCANOPY also computes a clumping factor.

MULTIPLE SKY GRIDS (PRO VERSION) WinSCANOPY can process the images in multiple passes by successively analyzing them under a different set of parameters (sky grids) at each pass. Some applications can be 1) to obtain the same sky divisions as another research project for comparison purposes, while at the same time analyzing the image under optimal (or other standard) divisions for some of the LAI methods and 2) to analyse gap fractions at different elevation ranges that overlap [Ex: 90-80º, 90-70º, 90-60º...].

INDIVIDUAL CANOPY GAP ANALYSIS The position, size, gap fraction and radiation data of canopy gaps are measured simply by tracing them in the image.

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PANORAMIC VIEW WinSCANOPY can transform a hemispherical image into a panoramic image which is easier for the human eye to interpret.

Hemispherical image

Panoramic image

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PIXELS CLASSIFICATION INTO CANOPY AND SKY An accurate classification of pixels into sky and canopy categories is a pre-requisite to get precise canopy analysis from hemispherical images. WinSCANOPY offers different methods to achieve this. All WinSCANOPY versions support the global threshold method used in many software programs. This method uses light intensity to decide in which class (sky or canopy) pixels belongs to. The criteria to do this classification is the same for all pixels of the hemisphere. The Pro and DSLR versions offer four additional methods to classify pixels, two of which are specific to hemispherical images. 1) An adaptive threshold that changes value in function of the location in the image. It adapts itself in function of the lighting variations over the image so that small gaps are well classified. 2) An hemispherical threshold that takes into account the light variation of hemispherical lenses. 3) A threshold that takes into account the light variations due to the sun position in the image. 4) Classification based on true color. This algorithm is more tolerant to sky conditions variations. For example, it allows to analyse images with white clouds and dark blue sky, a task difficult to do with simple grey levels thresholding (the dark blue sky tend to be classified as canopy). The result of the pixels classification can be viewed before the analysis (for the threshold methods) or in the middle of it (for all methods). As you change the methods parameters, the resulting classification is shown in the displayed image. Pixels classification based on true color content. This method is more tolerant to lighting and sky conditions variations.

Original image. The sky has very bright cloud and dark blue areas. The canopy has dark and bright green.

Segmented image. Each pixel is classified into one of two color groups defined by the operator (green for canopy, blue for sky).

Intermediate image with pixels classified into color classes (dark and pale green, white, dark and pale blue).

The pixels classification can be verified and modified for specific image regions at any moment of the analysis. Pixels that falls into the canopy group are drawn a different color over the orignal image as the threshold (pixel classification criteria) is modified by moving a slider bar. This allows for a simultaneous view of the original and pixels classification images. Select the region to be classified by outlining it. It can be the whole image or a sub-region of any shape.

As you move the slider, pixels classified into the canopy group are drawn in green over the original You must adjust the slider so that all canopy elements are covered by green (but not the sky). Once you have found the right position for the slider, simply click the image and the analysis is updated automatically.

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MASKS It is possible to mask some areas of the image to prevent them from being analysed. These regions might contain non-canopy elements like an operator or a light that indicates the north position. Masks emulate the function of plastic caps put in front of radiation sensors or LAI meters. There can be as many as you wish, they can have any shape and can be created by different methods; drawing in the image, entering a list of coordinate polar or cartesian points or specifying parameters (orientation, view angle, pre-defined shapes...). Unlike their hardware counter part, they can be added and modified after the image has been taken. You can export and import masks (even from other programs) to files (unlimited number of masks per file), save them with the image (in the same tiff file) and revert a masked region (the masked area can be the inside the mask or outside of it). Masks are drawn over the image not on a grid as in other programs. There are four types of masks and two variations of them; 1) Interactive masks are created simply by drawing in the image with a lasso tool. The masked area can be inside or outside the selected (drawing) area. 2) Parametrical masks are created by specifying geometrical parameters tied to the hemisphere position and size in the image. These parameters comprise the azimuth and elevation beginning and ending angles and how they vary in between. 3) Coordinate masks are defined by entering a series of hemisphere coordinate points (azimuth and elevation or zenith). 4) Image masks are created by loading an image and transforming it to a mask before an analysis. Regions of this image with pixels value different from zero are considered as being part of the masked area. An image mask is an image stored in a tiff or jpeg file which indicates areas of the image to be masked (not analysed). They can be produced by many types of programs (image editors, GIS, ESRI, ArcView, programs who compute viewsheds based on digital elevation models,...) or within WinSCANOPY itself by drawing the mask with the edition tools.

1) Interactive masks. They are made by drawing in the image. They usually have an irregular shape. Inside masks. The masked area is the interior of the region outlined by the operator.

Outside mask. The masked area is the exterior of the region outlined by the operator.

2) Parametrical masks. They are made by specifying hemispherical parameters. They usually have a regular shape.

3) Coordinates masks. They are made by specifying image or hemispherical point coordinates. They can have any shape.

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Masks are drawn with a red boundary and by default are filled with red.

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CAMERAS-LENSES MODELS SUPPORTED IN WINSCANOPY Latest cameras-lenses added in 2004-2005 (see also below for older models)*: o Nikon Coolpix 8800, 8400, 8700, 5400 o Calibration for Nikon FC-E9 fish-eye lens converter o Two DSLR cameras *NOTE: Support for these cameras-lenses are not all included for free with the program. See the details below

COMPONENTS THAT CAN BE PURCHASED IN A WINSCANOPY SYSTEM When purchased as a software alone, WinSCANOPY comes with built-in camera parameters (see definition below) for four cameras (Coolpix 950, 990, 995 and 4500) and two lenses (FC-E8, Nikkor 8mm). Other camera-lens parameters (such as all those listed above and others like the Coolpix 5000) can be purchased separately. No camera-lens calibration (see definition below) is included but they can be purchased (the camera and lens must be sent to Regent's office for calibration). WinSCANOPY can also be purchased as a complete system including camera, fish-eye lens, WinSCANOPY (and XLScanopy) software with or without some accessories such as self-levelling mount, NorthFinder (to indicate north direction in images) and wireless radio remote controller. Complete systems come with a free calibration for the camera-lens pair purchased. WinSCANOPY can also be bought as a partial system comprising the above system components except for the camera and lens (when you already own a camera and lens or prefer to buy them locally). You get for free the same camera-lens parameters as when purchasing the software alone (see above) and you can buy additional camera-lens parameters if your models are not in the list of included for free. For more precision and ease of use, your camera and lens can be sent to Regent's office for calibration (not available for all models).

Difference between camera-lens parameters and calibration Parameters: These are specifications which are constant among different units of the same make and model. Because they do not differ, they can be set permanently in the WinSCANOPY program. These parameters are: o Lens calibration coefficients to compensate for non-linearities of the projected position in the image in function of zenith angle (or elevation). o Image aspect ratio: 3:4 for point and shoot and or 3:2 for DSLR. o Radius of the hemisphere in the image which corresponds to the 180 degrees field of view (FOV). This value must be determined because most lenses on the market (like Nikon's) have a FOV larger than 180 degrees (typically 183 or more) and the hemisphere visible in the image corresponds to that FOV not the needed 180 degrees (required by many measurements - like LAI, radiations...) to compute accurate elevation or zenith angles. Although this specification is considered a parameter, it does vary a little for some units. The parameter value is an average of many cameras measured by Regent. When Regent performs a calibration, it uses the measured value for the cameralens being calibrated. Calibration: A calibration is made of all the above parameters, plus the determination of those which are not constant among different units of the same make and model. Therefore, to determine them, we must have the camera and lens in house. The calibration comprises in addition of the above: o Hemisphere position in the image. There are large variations of this parameter between different units of cameras of the same model (even when using the same lens). o Verification of the radius of the hemisphere mentioned in the "parameters" above.

THE CAMERAS-LENSES MODELS INCLUDED IN WINSCANOPY SYSTEMS The 4.1 MP system is based on the Nikon Coolpix 4500 and FC-E8 lens converter. We do not disclose the other brand and models used in the other systems. The development of these systems has been made possible by testing and comparing many components. Because of the costs involved (monetary and time) in designing them, we cannot disclose information about the components we have selected or made. We cannot also recommend brands and models like a local camera dealer. Regent Instruments do not sell brands and models, we sell expertise and solutions with known technical specifications to accomplish specific tasks (like canopy or radiation analysis). Our knowledge of the models we sell allow us to answer with competence the questions asked by the users.

Copyright Regent Instruments Inc.

www.regentinstruments.com

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY OF WINSCANOPY The WinSCANOPY software programs have been designed specifically for hemispherical image analysis. A strong emphasis has been put on the ease of use both for the novice and the expert while maintaining a list of features that is complete. WinSCANOPY has a high level of integration which translates into the following for the user: • It has built-in knowledge about the hardware components that have been used to acquire the image. Choose among some pre-programmed camera models or better it can read specifications about your particular camera and lens if it has been calibrated by us. • It has some built-in knowledge about the hemispherical image analysis process. It knows that a series of consecutive steps are required to analyse an image. You don’t have to tell the program which steps to do next as in other programs. You can analyse an image or a set of images with a single mouse click. You can even analyse each image more than one time with different parameters (growing season dates, sky divisions, radiation model...) with a single mouse click. • It knows that some parameters are common to a set of images while others must be specified for each image. Parameters common to more than one images (field trip date, operator, experiment location...) are entered once before analysing the first image while the other parameters (photo #, orientation,...) are automatically asked (and sometimes filled-in) at the beginning of the analysis (so that you don’t forget to set them). • It is easy to specify the analyses to do on the images from predefined choices. Unlike some programs, all processings are done by WinSCANOPY not by independant modules that you must manually activate to get their data. Before the analysis, you simply indicate the processing you want to be done and set their parameters and for each analysed image, the selected processings will automatically be applied. • It is easy to produce data and to visualize them. You don’t have to juggle among multiple files. Data are saved in the file that you select (you can produce one file per image or for a set of images) in standard ASCII text format that is spreadsheet-style friendly. Because WinSCANOPY produces a few types of data and sometimes in large quantities, we have designed a companion software named XLScanopy that runs in Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and visualization (graphically).

WinSCANOPY is available for Windows XP (and some older OS), Windows Mobile 2003 SE and soon for Windows 64 bits.

ORDERING INFORMATION Model descriptions can be found on Regent Instruments web site at:

www.regentinstruments.com For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Regent Instruments also manufactures the following products:

Win For leaf measurement

Rhizotron and in soil root analysis

For seed and conifer needle measurement

Color Area Meter

For root measurement

For tree ring analysis

For wood cell measurement

SCANOPY, WinSCANOPY, XLSCANOPY and PocketSCANOPY are trademarks of:

RÉGENT INSTRUMENTS INC.

www.regentinstrument.com [email protected] Tel: 418-653-1347 Fax: 418-653-1357

Printed in Canada June 2005

WinSCANOPY is made in the C++ programming language from source code made by Regent Instruments programmers (unlike two other hemispherical image analysis programs on the market that are based on a library of functions that is now discontinued). Computer programs made internally are easier to maintain and update. This can easily be seen in our past tracking record of updates (typically one per year).