Abstract
Remote sensing and geographic analysis of woody vegetation provide means of evaluating the distribution of natural resources, patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem structure, and socio-economic drivers of resource utilization. While these methods bring geographic datasets with global coverage into our day-to-day analytic spheres, many of the studies that rely on these strategies do not capitalize on the extensive collection of existing field data. We present the methods and maps associated with the first spatially-explicit models of global tree density, which relied on over 420,000 forest inventory field plots from around the world. This research is the result of a collaborative effort engaging over 20 scientists and institutions, and capitalizes on an array of analytical strategies. Our spatial data products offer precise estimates of the number of trees at global and biome scales, but should not be used for local-level estimation. At larger scales, these datasets can contribute valuable insight into resource management, ecological modelling efforts, and the quantification of ecosystem services.
Highlights
Background & SummaryIn this paper we detail the background, methods, and data associated with the first spatially-continuous model of global tree density[1]
An understanding of the extent of forest resources plays a critical role in sustainable forest management[4], helping to guide policy and to provide key targets for initiatives like the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020, the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD)[14], and the landmark 2015 United Nations Conference of Parties Agreement[15,16,17]
The number and density of trees are intuitive metrics of interest to public and non-governmental organizations[30,31], those focused on tree planting, such as New York City’s MillionTreesNYC32 and the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) ‘Billion Tree Campaign’[33]
Summary
Earth • elevation • slope • physiographic feature • soil • surface soil • air temperature • hydrological precipitation process • evapotranspiration • arid • vegetation layer • anthropogenic geographic feature • anthropogenic environmental process • terrestrial biome
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