Predicting stand volume using Quickbird and Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite images for stands of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky): a case study inAyancık-Göldağ

Abstract

Abstract: In forestry, inventory data is needed for ecological, economical and social values of forest and in preparing forest management planning. The planning process starts with forest inventory. In forestry, inventory data is obtained from both remotely sensed (aerial photo interpretation or satellite image) data and field survey with temporary sample plots. In the preparation of forest management plans, stand volume, basal area, number of trees stand as an important inventory data for the required parameters. Obtaining measurements of these parameters is costly and time consuming. This study were carried out to examine the Quickbird and Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite images in estimating stand volume in pure stands of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky). The stand volume was determined by field measurements at total 70 temporary sampling plots. Reflectance values were calculated based on the Quickbird and Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite data points that correspond to the sampling plots. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the reflectance values and stand volume. The results demonstrated that regression model with band 1, band 2, band 3 and band 4 as independent variables for Quickbird and ETM 2, ETM 3 and ETM 4 as independent variables for Landsat 7 ETM+ were used for a better estimation of stand volume (R2=0.70, RMSE=28.56 m3/ha-1; R2=0.545, RMSE=53.13 m3 ha-1), respectively. Keywords: Stand volume, Quickbird satellite data, Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite data