Abstract
Aboveground biomass (AGB) is an important biophysical parameter for evaluating global carbon stocks. Accurate estimates of AGB are gaining importance because of UN Climate Change requirements. This research study developed a methodology for estimating aboveground forest biomass using SPOT-5 satellite data coupled with sample field data and allometric equations in the coniferous forests of Murree and Abbottabad areas, Pakistan. Plot sizes of 13.7 m radius were used for field measurements, size of plots were based on tree density of the forest in the study area. In total, 11 sample plots were surveyed for measurements of tree Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), tree density and species information. Biomass values were worked out using volume equations, factors in the study areas. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values were extracted from radiometrically and atmospherically corrected SPOT5 data. The algorithm was developed between NDVI and measured tree biomass for estimating and generating biomass maps for the study areas. The spectrally derived above ground biomass were estimated as 235 Mega g/ha and 261 Mega g/ha in Murree and Abbottabad areas, respectively. The AGB results in this study have been comparable with previously reported values in the area. The study demonstrates the application of geospatial technologies including mapping, spectral responses and field measurements for biomass estimation. The forest maps so generated provide a new method of assessing forest AGB resource in the study areas. To further improve efficiency of regression models for precise measurements of AGB, the bigger number of sample sites could be taken into consideration.
