Multisource aboveground carbon estimation of forests

Abstract

In this paper we describe remote sensing methods with optical and radar sources to monitor aboveground carbon in forests. We move from forest/non-forest mapping, through forest type mapping (conifer, deciduous and mixed) to major species mapping. Biomass combined with species is required to compute the aboveground carbon. Biomass for forests needs accurate height measurements and allometric equations relating height, species and biomass. LIDAR data and TanDEM-X data were used for height measurement. We close with a discussion of accuracies and sources of error in making carbon maps with remote sensing and allometric models. Index Termsmultisource (radar/optical/LIDAR), forest heights, forest cover, forest biomass and carbon