Contributions of multiangular remote sensing imagery to mapping tree biomass in savannas

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The role of the World's forests in climate regulation is now widely recognized and mechanisms are in place to use forests in influencing the carbon cycle. The scale of the phenomenon has made the estimation and mapping of forest parameters a global/national level priority. Remote sensing is the only effective means available to provide the needed information at the relevant scales. Past research has shown potentials and limitations of existing remote sensing techniques for a range of ecosystem types, from the densely vegetated and complex humid tropical forest to the sparse tree distribution of savannas. In the latter, traditional techniques based on spectral properties encounter problems differentiating the tree and grass signals, both being simultaneously photosynthetically active throughout most of the year. The objective of this research is to explore the potential of imagery directional resolution in improving tree biomass mapping accuracy in savannas. The proposed approach takes advantage of the prominent shadow patterns created by the spatial arrangement of trees in the savanna to estimate tree density and size, and ultimately link this information to tree biomass. This project represents an opportunity for the Canadian geomatics industry to consolidate its lead position at the international level and provides openings to export our expertise in a new field of application.