At the frontier copters with cameras are used for detailed mapping; GPS is also used, but often by untrained persons that do not report the projection system used. You can find on the web geodata from my current country of residence with incorrect coordinates (located at the other side of the international border). GIS, even if hardware, software  and trained staff is available at the regional government offices (Namibia; Uganda), seems hardly used. Lack of relevant and spatially correct data layers is certainly an issue. Aerial photography is also often used here.

On another level, multi-temporal satellite imagery can be essential in demonstrating  that "communities" are not the destructors of forests (see attached) as perceived by the public or politicians, but rather the lack of secure tenure (a prime government task).

Article What Drives Conversion of Tropical Forest in Carrasco Provin...