Data from: Modelling plant species distribution in alpine grasslands using airborne imaging spectroscopy

Remote sensing using airborne imaging spectroscopy (AIS) is known to
retrieve fundamental optical properties of ecosystems. However, the value
of these properties for predicting plant species distribution remains
unclear. Here, we assess whether such data can add value to topographic
variables for predicting plant distributions in French and Swiss alpine
grasslands. We fitted statistical models with high spectral and spatial
resolution reflectance data and tested four optical indices sensitive to
leaf chlorophyll content, leaf water content and leaf area index. We found
moderate added-value of AIS data for predicting alpine plant species
distribution. Contrary to expectations, differences between species
distribution models (SDMs) were not linked to their local abundance or
phylogenetic/functional similarity. Moreover, spectral signatures of
species were found to be partly site-specific. We discuss current limits
of AIS-based SDMs, highlighting issues of scale and informational content
of AIS data.