Mapping Forest Vertical Structure Attributes with GEDI, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2

This study presents a method for mapping forest vertical structures using fused satellite data sets, including data from Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission, Sentinel-1 and -2, by a Random Forest classifier. The method aims to develop an effective yet simple way to map the foliage height diversity, plant area index, canopy height, and forest structure index, which is a composite index of these three metrics. They are mapped at 10 m spatial resolution, which can provide information about the distribution and functioning of different plant functional types and canopy layers in a forest. The approach was tested in an area around Mt. Washibetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, and demonstrated the feasibility of capturing forest vertical structures using satellite remote sensing, which has important implications for forest management and conservation.