Assessment of forest cover changes using multidate spaceborne imaging radar

Data obtained in 1978 by Seasat and in 1984 by SIR-B over a forested area in northern Florida are analyzed. The objective of the study was to determine the potential for detecting major changes in forest cover utilizing synthetic aperture radar obtained from satellite altitudes, and to define an effective methodology for processing and analyzing digital synthetic aperture radar data obtained on two different dates. It is found that multitemporal synthetic aperture radar data obtained from satellite altitudes can be used to detect major changes in forest cover conditions such as deforestation and reforestation. A suprisingly good level of detectivity was obtained for identifying areas of regrowth after they had been clearcut and replanted.