Estimation of forest biophysical properties using SPOT HRG data (Case Study: Darabkola Experimental Forest)

K, S; F, A; Sh., Sh

Estimation of forest biophysical properties using SPOT HRG data (Case Study: Darabkola Experimental Forest)

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

Abstract

The main objective of this study was estimation of three forest biophysical
properties including volume, basal area and number per hectare using SPOT-HRG
data in district 1 Darabkola’s forest. Images were orthorectified to reduce relief
displacement errors. Different synthetic bands were generated trough principal
component analysis and suitable vegetation indices were created by rationing.
After take territorial information, accomplished calculation volume, basal area and
number per hectare values in sample plat. Since analyze normalized data,
evaluating correlation between territorial and spectral by linear regression. Cross
validation getting best correlation model investigating by some sample plat and by
relevant evaluation criterions. For volume estimation, results of this study showed
that linear combination of NIR and SWIR bands by adjusted determination
coefficient 74.5% and root mean square relative error 77.1 m
3
/ha were better
predictors than other combination. For basal area estimation, linear combination

NIR band and MSAVI2 index showed best results (R

2
adj

=80.5; RMSE=4.02).
Linear combination NIR and SWIR band by adjusted determination coefficient of

85.7% and root mean square relative error of 44.6 numbers per hectare could better

predict the number trees per hectare. Results this study showed SPOT data has high

capability for estimation biophysical properties as volume, basal area and number

per hectare. Of results this study can use for operational management forest stand.

Keywords