Satellite-Based Surface Roughness Products

Frictional forces due to land properties (such as terrain height and the physical structure of vegetation (height, density, etc.)) influence the strength and direction of the wind at the surface. Therefore, reliable and timely data and information on such properties is critical to accurately assess the availability of wind resources. However, assessment of wind energy resources is a highly complex and time-consuming process, ultimately relying on consistent, accurate and timely models and input data. Yet, in many cases, especially in forested sites, surface data on roughness and forest height is inaccessible or simply not available, and this may impact the ability of wind modellers to accurately assess wind resources.