Forest degradation remains a very complex issue. Forest degradation is understood in different ways in different geographical and cultural contexts. Its measurement and quantification of its intensity and extent remain a matter of scientific debate, and one of the main issues about it is how to "measure" forest degradation (loss of productivity, carbon, biodiversity, etc ) using remote sensing techniques
Measuring Forest degradation at least needs 5 to 10 year satellite data. In case of Optical image use NDVI mehtod and LAI method for the calculation of biomass. do this for each image and compare the values year wise and estimate degradation rate.
I agree with Richard. What is degradation here in your context? "Thinning" of the forest cover because of selective logging, disaster damage, etc.? Or disease caused by insects, fungi or other agents? Effect of air pollution, drought (e.g. when water tables sink because of excessive pumping), or invading species? Replacement of (part of) the original species with plantation-type species for commercial harvesting? Many different processes that can all be considered a form of degradation. Thus, first define what you mean, then identify meaningful indicators that relate to your kind of degradation. The we can see if RS can help.
Thank you so much to all for your comments. I agree that I need to set parameters to define "forest Degradation"and set the context as firts step. Like I said in my descripcion, Forest degradation is understood in different way, depending the conditions and objetives, and so its measurement and quantification. I need to go deeper in this issue and then I will come back to you with something concrete. Again, thank you much.
I suggest to define a multicriteria procedure. First, define a list of criteria to be quantified. Then, in a time series compute a map for each criterion. Finally, you can create a measurement index and compute its value for each year.
Hava a look at: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol18/iss2/art20/#spatialscale
Dear Haider Al-Ani :
Thanks a lot for your references.
Best regards
We are offering an excellent forum for this type of discussions? Why not attending ForestSat 2014? Deadline for abstracts on April 30th, visit http://forestsat2014.com
The Swedish CARABAS penetrating radar has been used to measure from airborne platforms the degradation of forests through water content declines in sap and from tree thinning . There are also IR methods of detecting plant stress from drought, acid rain, etc. . Define your type of tree degradation.
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