A hyperspectral and multi-angular synthetic dataset of optical properties for waters with varying trophic levels and optical complexity

This synthetic dataset encompasses inherent and apparent optical properties (IOPs-AOPs) alongside associated bio-geochemical constituents. The bio-optical modeling framework benefited from insights and data accumulated over the past three decades, resulting on a comprehensive dataset of in situ IOPs, including diverse water typologies, and enabling the imposition of rigorous quality standards.

Employing the Hydrolight scalar radiative transfer equation solver, we generated above-surface and submarine light fields across the specified spectral range at a “true” hyperspectral resolution (1 nm), covering the ultraviolet down to 350 nm, therefore facilitating algorithm development and assessment for present and forthcoming hyperspectral satellite missions. A condensed version of the dataset tailored to twelve Sentinel-3 OLCI bands (400 nm to 753 nm) was crafted. Derived AOPs encompass an array of above- and below-surface reflectances, diffuse attenuation coefficients, and average cosines,

A unique feature of our dataset lies in the calculation of AOPs across the complete range of solar and viewing zenith and azimuthal angles as per the Hydrolight default quadrants. This comprehensive directional coverage caters to studies investigating signal directionality, previously lacking sufficient reference data. The dataset is thus the result of 6500000 Hydrolight simulations, distributed in 5000 files, each file encapsulating a specific IOP scenario, ensuring sufficient data volume for each water type represented. In addition, angularly resolved AOPs are incorporated.