Troubleshooting and Tips

This section of the document outlines suggestions or tips to resolve issues using the CI-110 software.

Canopy Gaps

The CI-110 employs the gap fraction computation method and assumes random leaf distribution. A non-uniformly distributed canopy with gaps will cause over-estimations of the solar beam transmission and under-estimations of LAI.

In circumstances that do not satisfy the assumption use the Zenith and Azimuth selections to exclude large canopy gaps, and make multiple measurements then average your results. The number of measurements needed for averaging depends on the canopy structure and its distribution.

Canopy Size

Observe the canopy size. If the plot is too small, the fish-eye lens’ field-of-view will extend beyond the edge of the foliage being measured, and LAI will be underestimated. The reverse is true when measurements are taken in a plot surrounded by a denser canopy.

The suggested minimum plot radius from the fish-eye lens is approximately 3 times the plot height. The exception to the suggested minimum plot radius is in dense plant canopies, less distance may be required because the fish-eye may not be able to see to the edge of the canopies.

If you must measure a small plot adjust the Zenith and Azimuth selections to exclude everything beyond your plot.

Distance from Canopy

The distance from the CI-110 lens to the leaf at an angle of 30° from zenith should be at least four times the leaf width.

Sky Conditions

The optimal sky conditions for measurements are under even cloud coverage during early morning or late afternoon (when the amount of scattered radiation is low). Under sunny sky conditions the lens should be shaded to minimize to prevent underestimation of LAI and overestimation of solar beam radiation and diffuse radiation.

Row Crops

One measurement technique is to take four evenly spaced readings along a diagonal transect that runs between two rows, and to do several transects to prevent the same few plants from dominating the entire set of readings. It is best not to excessively weigh the “in row” or “between row” situations.

Google Earth displays icons instead of CI-110 images

Google Earth is commonly used to read the KML files exported from the CI-110 application’s Browse Records tab. By default Google Earth does not allow you to load KML files from your local drives. To resolve this issue follow the instructions below.

1. Start Google Earth
2. Click the Tools menu at the top of the screen.
3. Click Options.
4. Click the General tab.
5. Check Allow placemark balloons to access local files and personal data.
6. Click OK.
7. Reload your KML file, or exit Google Earth and restart it from the CI-110 application.