Integration of aerial photography, hyperspectral and SAR data for mangrove characterization

In previous studies the use of time-series of stereo black and white and colour aerial photographs for establishing baseline datasets of mangrove extent and height against which to monitor long-term changes was demonstrated. In this research, our analysis was extended using NASA JPL MODIS-ASTER simulator (MASTER) data to discriminate and map dominant mangrove communities. With the provision of datasets describing the extent, height and species composition of mangroves, related allometric equations and field-based assessments of tree density, fine spatial resolution datasets of total above ground and component biomass can potentially be generated. Such datasets provide a basis for the interpretation of POLSAR backscatter data acquired at different wavelengths and polarisations.