The CYCLOPES algorithms have been fitted to a real time application. For that, the gaussian weighting function used to normalize VEGETATION data is changed. For CYCLOPES project, the maximum weight is put on observations acquired during the central 10-day period of the synthesis. For VGT4AFRICA, the maximum weight is given to the most recent observations of the synthesis period. Then, the LAI is assessed using the CYCLOPES algorithms, which rely on the inversion of the SAIL model by a neural network (Baret et al., 2007).
The retrieval algorithms of all VGT4AFRICA products are described in the User Manual.

The processing lines have been delivered to VITO which, since the end of November 2007, generates a LAI product every 10 days and disseminates it to the African users of VGT4AFRICA project through the EUMETCAST network.

Baret, F., O. Hagolle, B. Geiger, P. Bicheron, B. Miras, M. Huc, B. Berthelot, f. Nino, M. Weiss, O. Samain, J.L. Roujean, and M. Leroy, LAI, FAPAR, and FCover CYCLOPES global products derived from Vegetation. Part 1 : principles of the algorithm, Remote Sensing of Environment, 110:305-316, 2007.