Mapping of Clear Cut in Boreal Forest Ecosystems with MODIS

MODIS satellite images at medium spatial resolution offer new opportunities for mapping and monitoring of forest change in the boreal forest ecosystem caused by conventional clear cutting, a widely used harvesting practice in the boreal forests of Eurasia. The quantification of change for large geographical areas would be of interest not only for addressing issues of sustainable management, but also in relation to the reporting of carbon sinks and sources. In this paper we discuss the methods and results applied for assessing clear cuts from MODIS imagery. We conclude that satellite images of medium spatial resolution could be a reliable tool for the detection of clear cut. When aiming at a comprehensive and accurate assessment of clear cut area, however, it appears that a combination of satellite imagery of medium and high resolution may provide best results.

BUCHA Tomas;  STIBIG Hans-Jurgen;  BARTALEV Sergej;  KURYATNIKOVA Tatiana S.; 

2006-11-14

National Forest Centre

JRC30880