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Leveraging the Power of SAR Observations for Forest Monitoring SystemsEarth observations from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) can provide unique information related to forest structure and condition. Despite the many advantages of SAR, particularly where clouds impede optical observations, a knowledge gap has prevented the applied remote sensing community from harnessing its full potential. Here, we discuss the results of a collaboration between SERVIR, a joint program between NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and SilvaCarbon, the United States’ contribution to the Global Forest Observation Initiative, to build global capacity in using SAR for forest monitoring and biomass estimation. This includes primarily the creation of 1) The SAR Handbook: Comprehensive Methodologies for Forest Monitoring and Biomass Estimation, 2) a series of international hands-on trainings and training materials, 3) quick-reference guides illustrating SAR concepts, and 4) animated videos explaining how SAR works. The SERVIR-Global community joined efforts to develop a hands-on guide to support decision-makers in the forestry community to leverage the power of SAR technology to better protect and manage forest resources. We worked with world-renowned SAR experts to provide targeted trainings and develop the SAR Handbook. This handbook consists of approachable theoretical background and applied content that contributes to filling the knowledge gap in the applied use of SAR technology for forestry applications. We hope that forest managers and remote sensing specialists will use these materials to benefit from currently available SAR datasets, as well as prepare for future SAR missions, such as NISAR and BIOMASS. Since its release on April 11, 2019, the SAR Handbook has been accessed more than 100,000 times in less than a month, demonstrating the remote sensing community’s urgent need and interest to learn and use SAR.
Document ID
20190025152
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Herndon, Kelsey E.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Flores-Anderson, Africa
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Cherrington, Emil
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Thapa, Rajesh
(International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Kathmandu, Nepal)
Kucera, Leah
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Saah, David
(San Francisco Univ. CA, United States)
Quyen, Nguyen
(Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) Bangkok, Thailand)
Muench, Rebekke
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Rushi, Begum
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Adams, Emily
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Oduor, Phoebe
(Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) Nairobi, Kenya)
Mubea, Kenneth
(Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) Nairobi, Kenya)
Limaye, Ashutosh
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Mamane, Bako
(AGRHYMET Niamey, Niger)
Vadrevu, Krishna
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Wilson, Sylvia
(United States Geological Survey (USGS) Reston, VA, United States)
Gottlieb, Sasha
(Forest Service Washington, DC, United States)
Delgado, Francisco
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
May 15, 2019
Publication Date
May 13, 2019
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Report/Patent Number
MSFC-E-DAA-TN68559
Meeting Information
Meeting: European Space Agency (ESA) 2019 Living Planet Symposium
Location: Milan
Country: Italy
Start Date: May 13, 2019
End Date: May 17, 2019
Sponsors: European Space Agency
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNM11AA01A
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Portions of document may include copyright protected material.
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