Authors: Roberts, J.W.; Tesfamichael, S.; Gebreslasie, M.; van Aardt, J; Ahmed, F.B.

Source: Southern Hemisphere Forestry Journal, Volume 69, Number 3, December 2007 , pp. 183-203(21)

Publisher: NISC Pty Ltd

Abstract:

The Forestry and Forest Products Research Centre (CSIR), University of KwaZulu-Natal and MONDI Business Paper have recently embarked on a remote sensing cooperative. The primary focus of this cooperative is to explore the potential benefits associated with using remote sensing for forestry-related activities. A subproject within the cooperative is exploring the utility of various remote sensing technologies for forest structural assessment. This paper reports on the primary findings of a state-of-the-art review conducted by members of the cooperative and seeks to inform and contribute to the development of focused research projects. Both active and passive sensors are reviewed at varying spatial scales focusing primarily on accuracies attained. Medium-resolution studies focus on contextual forest attributes while high-resolution studies focused on location-based forest variables. Results from research consulted indicate that while remote sensing has a strong theoretical background, there are several limiting factors that need to be explored within a South African context. These include the saturation of satellite signals in mature forests, underestimation of tree heights using LiDAR data and the cost of LiDAR surveys. The review ends with recommendations for future research activities.

Keywords: FOREST ASSESSMENT; LIDAR; MULTISPECTRAL; REMOTE SENSING; SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/SHFJ.2007.69.3.8.358

Publication date: 2007-12-01

More about this publication?

• Prior to 2007, this journal was titled the Southern African Forestry Journal. These back issues may be accessed here. The Southern Hemisphere Forestry Journal publishes scientific articles in forest science and management of fast-growing, planted or natural forests in the Southern Hemisphere and the tropics. Papers are also encouraged on related disciplines such as environmental aspects of forestry, social forestry, agroforestry, forest engineering and management as well as the goods and services that are derived from forests as a whole. Articles published by the journal are of value to forest scientists, resource managers and society at large. The journal particularly encourages contributions from South America, Africa and tropical/sub-tropical Australasia and Asia.

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