Detection of clear-cuts using ALOS PALSAR satellite images

Paper in proceeding, 2008

The objective of this study is to make a first evaluation of the possibilities to detect forest clear-cuts using high-resolution ALOS PALSAR FBD (Fine Beam Dual polarization) satellite images. New operational applications for mapping of changes in forest cover are of interest for government authorities in Sweden and in other countries with similar needs. The study was conducted in southern Sweden and included seven old coniferous stands located on flat terrain. Three of the stands were clear-felled and the remaining stands were left untreated for reference. Altogether, six PALSAR FBD images (look angle 34.3°, HH- and HV-polarization) acquired during the summer and fall seasons were analyzed. The difference in backscattering coefficient between the reference and the clear-felled stands was on average 2.4 dB and 2.9 dB for the HH- and HV-polarization, respectively. When comparing the backscattering coefficient before and after clear-felling the drop was found to be 1.7 dB and 2.3 dB for the HH- and HV-polarization, respectively.