A new methodology for the estimation of biomass of coniferdominated boreal forest using NOAA AVHRR data

Abstract

In this paper, a new methodology to estimate the biomass (organic matter) of conifer-dominated boreal forests is developed. It aims to estimate biomass of extensive areas where ground data are limited. First, the principal models are computed using ground measurements and high resolution satellite images. Spectral models are then applied directly to a calibrated AVHRR image mosaic covering the entire area of interest. This methodology was tested quantitatively in Finland, where detailed forest measurement data are available, on an area reaching from the west coast of Norway to the Ural mountains. The methodology appeared to perform beyond pre-test expectation.