Data for: A topographic shadow effect correction (TSEC) method for correcting surface reflectance of optical remote sensing images in rugged terrain

Topographic shadows in rugged terrain significantly distort surface reflectance in optical remote sensing images, posing challenges for quantitative analysis. Existing topographic correction (TC) models often struggle with overcorrection in self-shadowed areas and under-correction in cast shadows. To address this, we introduced the shadow intensity, vegetation index, and band adjustment factors, and proposed a topographic shadow effect correction (TSEC) method based on the principle of direct light compensation for shadowed pixels. A new spectral index (SITOA) was developed to accurately quantify shadow intensity. The Band Adjustment Factor (BAF) was determined through an iterative optimization process to ensure spectral fidelity, while the Vegetation Index Factor (VIF) leverages the stability of NDVI to enhance the model's robustness in low signal-to-noise conditions. We validated the TSEC model using eight Landsat 8 OLI scenes from the Wuyi Mountain and Changjiang areas. The results show that TSEC effectively removes shadow effects while preserving spectral characteristics, outperforming four conventional TC models by mitigating over- and under-correction issues. The corrected EVI values on shady slopes showed strong consistency with those on sunny slopes, with the mean difference reduced from over 0.35 to within 0.074. The TSEC model provides a practical and robust solution for correcting topographic shadow effects in rugged terrain.