On August 21st, the EO4CAM project team embarked on a successful field campaign in the surroundings of Bad Neustadt an der Saale, the district capital of Rhön-Grabfeld in Lower Franconia. The Bavarian Rhön serves as a pilot region within EO4CAM, providing a rich experimental landscape for in-depth studies, such as detailed investigations of grasslands.

The field day focused on a comprehensive and standardized sampling of grassland areas, aiming to collect high-quality data on several key parameters: grassland height, above-ground biomass, Leaf Area Index (LAI), canopy cover, and cover fraction. These measurements are essential for the calibration and validation of Earth observation-based grassland datasets that are developed within EO4CAM.

The fieldwork was conducted by EO4CAM staff from the DLR and the EORC and enthusiastically supported by students from the international EAGLE Master’s program. Their participation not only contributed to the success of the campaign but also provided valuable hands-on training in field methods and the use of state-of-the-art measurement instruments.

The students will further process and present the findings from the field day as part of the seminar ‘Field Methods’, deepening their understanding of grassland dynamics and remote sensing applications. This integration of research and education exemplifies EO4CAM’s commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental scientists.

Thanks to the friendly support of local landowners and stakeholders, the team was able to access and sample a diverse range of grassland plots. The collaboration ensured smooth logistics and enriched the campaign with local insights.