Remote Sensing Methods and GIS Approaches for Carbon Sequestration Measurement: A General Review

Abstract

Geospatial technologies like Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a platform for swiftly evaluating terrestrial Carbon Stock (CS) across extensive regions. Employing an integrated RS-GIS method for estimating Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) and precise carbon management emerges as a timely and economical strategy for implementing effective management plans on a localized and regional level. This study reviews different RS-related techniques utilized in CS assessment, particularly in arid lands, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and future trends associated with the process. As global warming poses adverse impacts on major ecosystems through temperature and precipitation changes, professionals have a call to develop evidence-based interventions to mitigate them. Carbon sequestration involves harnessing and storing carbon stocks from the atmosphere to minimize the adverse effects of climate change. The review explores the effectiveness of integrating remote sensing and GIS methodologies in quantifying carbon sequestration within agroforestry landscapes. In addition, this review also assesses the traditional methods, including their limitations, and deeply delves into recent techniques, emphasizing key remote sensing (RS) variables for biophysical predictions. This study showcases the efficacy of geospatial technologies in evaluating terrestrial carbon stock, particularly in arid regions. The study reviews diverse techniques and sensors, like optical Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR), and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), extensively employed for above-ground biomass (AGB) estimation and carbon stock assessment with RS data, introducing and discussing new methods. Existing literature was examined to present knowledge and evidence on the effectiveness of these technologies in carbon sequestration. The key findings of this review will inform future research and integration of technology, policy formulation, and carbon sequestration management to mitigate the impacts of climate change.