Towards practical semi-empirical models for the estimation of leaf and canopy water contents from hyperspectral reflectance

•Leaf structure and dry matter effects on estimating water contents are evaluated.•Optimal water index (OWI) and optimal wavelet feature (OWF) are determined.•OWI and OWF are strongly related to both leaf and canopy water contents.•OWI- and OWF-based semi-empirical models are calibrated using model simulations.•Semi-empirical models are practical for estimating leaf and canopy water contents.