Analysts of independent deforestation maps derived from different low resolution optical sensors, with reference to high resolution ERS-1 SAR data: a case study in the Amazon basin

Two classifications of non-forest areas around Rio Branco, Brazil, derived from different 1 km resolution sensors are compared with a high resolution (100 m) classification. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of integrating classifications from the NOAA 11 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data, and the ERS-1 Along Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR-1), for operational regional deforestation monitoring. The results show that significant differences exist between the two classifications and that a rigorous methodology needs to be adopted if quantitative estimates are to be extracted from the data.