The spatial distribution and seasonal variation of surface reflectance and albedo in a heterogeneous urban/rural landscape (Hartford, Conn.) was examined using 27 calibrated Landsat observations. Atmospheric effects were removed by a target calibration procedure using 22 urban targets (building rooftops and parking lots) whose reflectance has been measured by a radiometer. Landsat bands 4 and 7, representing the visible and near-infrared portions of the spectrum, are calibrated using linear regression analysis to relate the measured surface reflectance of the target to its satellite-observed radiance. The visible and near-infrared reflectance were integrated into a measure of albedo by the use of a weighted average formula which incorporates the spectral reflectivity of the surface of interest and the spectral distribution of solar radiation. Three distinct formulae were employed for vegetated surfaces, nonvegetated surfaces, and snow-covered surfaces. Visible reflectance, near infrared reflectan... Abstract The spatial distribution and seasonal variation of surface reflectance and albedo in a heterogeneous urban/rural landscape (Hartford, Conn.) was examined using 27 calibrated Landsat observations. Atmospheric effects were removed by a target calibration procedure using 22 urban targets (building rooftops and parking lots) whose reflectance has been measured by a radiometer. Landsat bands 4 and 7, representing the visible and near-infrared portions of the spectrum, are calibrated using linear regression analysis to relate the measured surface reflectance of the target to its satellite-observed radiance. The visible and near-infrared reflectance were integrated into a measure of albedo by the use of a weighted average formula which incorporates the spectral reflectivity of the surface of interest and the spectral distribution of solar radiation. Three distinct formulae were employed for vegetated surfaces, nonvegetated surfaces, and snow-covered surfaces. Visible reflectance, near infrared reflectan...