Remote sensing (RS) dedicated to the study of land surfaces benefits from more and more advanced sensors. However, the interpretation of RS data is often is often inaccurate due to the complexity of the observed land surfaces. Therefore, RS models, in particular physical models, that simulate RS observations of the three-dimensional (3D) landscapes are critical to correctly interpret RS data. DART is one of the most comprehensive 3D models of Earthatmosphere optical radiative transfer (RT), from ultraviolet (UV) to thermal infrared (TIR). It simulates the optical signal of proximal, aerial and satellite imaging spectrometers and laser scanners, the 3D RB and solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) signal, for any urban or natural landscape and any experimental or instrument configuration. It is freely available for research and teaching activities (dart.omp.eu). After illustrating three significant sources of inaccuracy in RS interpretation, five recent DART advances are presented: RT in the atmosphere and topography, fast RS image simulation of large landscapes, SIF modelling, and satellite image inversion.