3D Forest Parameter Retrieval from TanDEM-X Interferometry
Research Project, 2014
The research project will continue the investigation of TDM data for forestry applications which started in 2011. The forest variables of interest are mainly forest height, stem volume and above-ground biomass. TDM provides a direct elevation measurement of the upper part of the forest canopy. The technique is analogous to optical stereo but measures range difference between two separated radar antennas. The technique was pioneered by airborne systems in the 1990s and by the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) during its 11-day mission in 2000. Our basic approach is to combine the TDM measurement with a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of the ground which, after subtraction, generates a map of the forest canopy height. TDM data are also sensitive to forest structure, i.e. the vertical and horizontal distribution of scattering elements which affects both interferometric height and coherence.
Participants
Lars Ulander (contact)
Microwave and Optical Remote Sensing, Radar Remote Sensing
Leif Eriksson
Microwave and Optical Remote Sensing, Radar Remote Sensing
Collaborations
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Uppsala, Sweden
Funding
Swedish National Space Board
Project ID: 151/13
Funding Chalmers participation during 2014