Environmental Sensing and Forest Degradation Using Mono-Temporal Analyses of Logging Roads

Abstract

Forest degradation is the reduction of the forest capacity to provide and produce ecosystem services such as forest, wood products and carbon storage which are caused as a result of adverse environment and anthropogenic changes. Various human and natural activities do cause degradation, that include agricultural practices, fire, fuel wood, livestock rearing, invasive plant species and unsustainable logging practices. The assessment of forest degradation is focused on forest management regimes, climate change and impact on biodiversity. Forest degradation in a small area of Congo Brazzivilla(3km x 3km) was evaluated based on the cause, exploitation of forest resources and services under the use of remote sensing technology considering temporal and spatial scales. Ground truth data was utilized using the GPS points and data were observed and collected in such a way that the various land use and land cover changes in the area were well represented. Initial and preliminary analysis of multi‐temporal RADARSAT (MF22F) optical data of high resolution optical images was used in this study, namely WorldView‐ 2 and QuickBird. SAR Data was applied using Radar wavelengths, which are classified into six bands: K‐band (1cm), X‐band (3cm), C‐band (5.6cm), S‐band (10cm), L‐band (23cm) and P‐band (75cm). Small wavelengths (X and K) have low penetration capability; as such they are majorly reflected by the branches of forest trees. Mono‐temporal delineation of forest degradation signs in WorldView‐2 image and QuickBird image application were conducted using the WorldView‐2 image that was visually interpreted. The forest vegetation appeared in red. Bright features opened up gaps into the forest canopies. The logging roads on the TerraSAR are faintly visible. They appear as small stripe features, corresponding to the logging road line shapefiles of the optical images that were overlaid on them. It is therefore identified and observed that forest degradation does decline provision of ecosystem services from primary forests. Degradation, loss of ecosystem services and unsustainable forest management has corresponding effect on productivity, biodiversity, unusual disturbances, protective functions and carbon storage. This study therefore suggests the need to assess and determine forest degradation at both regional and national scales.