This study explores the use of TerraSAR-X (X-Band) and Sentinel-1 (C-Band) SAR data for detecting degraded forests and deforestation in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador. The study area shows a complex topography and permanent cloud cover, which complicates forest monitoring from optical remote sensing. Thresholds of canopy cover for degraded forest were identified by field data. Then a straightforward object-based approach was applied. Statistics on SAR backscatter were estimated from the objects and used as input to a random forest classification to map forest and non-forest areas. Finally, forest degradation was assessed using a moving window procedure applying the earlier identified thresholds on the forest / non-forest map. The SAR data were found adequate to map deforestation (overall accuracy of 81% for forest/non forest maps) but less accurate to fully assess forest degradation. However, multi-temporal SAR data can be useful to construct baseline data of the forest extent. Polarization and interferometric information could enhance the presented results for classifying forest / non forest areas and mapping forest degradation.
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1 March 2017
Potential of TerraSAR-X and Sentinel 1 Imagery to Map Deforested Areas and Derive Degradation Status in Complex Rain Forests of Ecuador
M.J. Delgado-Aguilar,
F.E. Fassnacht,
M. Peralvo,
C.P. Gross,
C.B. Schmitt
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International Forestry Review
Vol. 19 • No. 1
March 2017
Vol. 19 • No. 1
March 2017
deforestation
forest degradation
monitoring
SAR
tropical forest