As remote sensing data and methods have become increasingly complex and varied - and increasingly reliable - so have their uses in forest management. New algorithms have been developed in virtually every aspect of image analysis, from classification to enhancements to estimating parameters. Remote Sensing for Sustainable Forest Management reviews the literature and provides the tools for understanding and choosing remote sensing solutions for management problems.
The book presents methods and operational examples of forest change detection, forest defoliation monitoring, forest classification, and forest growth modeling. The concluding chapters discuss research issues and the future of remote sensing technologies. The author draws a comprehensive picture of the state of the art in remote sensing data and methods applicable to sustainable forest management issues.
Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, the author addresses the 'I tried that once, didn't work, so the whole thing is useless' syndrome that has created institutional inertia in some management agencies. We now know the proper processing steps, the most efficient algorithms, what kinds of maps can be generated, and by whom, and what level of confidence managers can invest in the resulting products. We know under what conditions aerial remote sensing missions should be executed, what are the limits, and where investments in equipment and training should be made.
This authoritative book explores the remote sensing methods that need to be adopted and adapted to the forest science issues that are emerging through the sustainable forest management approach. This approach is not driven by technology, but by questions about its fundamental processes. Remote Sensing for Sustainable Forest Management shows you how this technology can be used to answer these questions and achieve the goals of sustainable forest management.
Forest Management Questions
Remote Sensing Data and Methods
Categories of Applications of Remote Sensing
Organization of the Book
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
Definition of Sustainable Forest Management
Ecosystem Management
Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management
Information Needs of Forest Managers
Role of Remote Sensing
ACQUISITION OF IMAGERY
Field, Aerial, and Satellite Imagery
Data Characteristics
Resolution and Scale
Aerial Platforms and Sensors
Satellite Platforms and Sensors
General Limits of Airborne and Satellite Remote Sensing Data
IMAGE CALIBRATION AND PROCESSING
Georadiometric Effects and Spectral Response
Image Processing Systems and Functionality
Image Analysis Support Functions
Image Information Extraction
Image Understanding
FOREST MODELING AND GIS
Geographical Information Science
Ecosystem Process Models
Spatial Pattern Modeling
FOREST CLASSIFICATION
Information on Forest Classes
Classification Systems for Use with Remote Sensing Data
Level I Classes
Level II Classes
Level III Classes
FOREST STRUCTURE ESTIMATION
Information on Forest Structure
Forest Inventory Variables
Biomass
Volume and Growth Assessment
FOREST CHANGE DETECTION
Information on Forest Change
Harvesting and Silviculture Activity
Natural Disturbances
Change in Spatial Structure
CONCLUSION
The Technological Approach - Revisited
References
Biography
Steven E. Franklin