SIBERIA: SAR imaging for boreal ecology and radar interferometry applications

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 98.0017

Key words (English)

Siberia; forest; ecology; SAR; interferometry; mapping

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: ENV4-CT97-0743

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 3.1 Environment

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
Gamma Remote Sensing Research and Consulting AG

Partners and International Organizations (English)

coordinator: DLR-HF (D)

Abstract (English)

The main objective of the CEO Environment and Climate Programme is the generation of information for dedicated customers using Earth Observation data sources and techniques. In line with this objective, the SIBERIA project aims to produce an extensive forest map of a geographical region for which only limited information is currently available but for which detailed information is of immense scientific, environmental and commercial interest, both to specific customers and to the general population.

The forest map will be derived primarily from state-of-the-art satellite data and remote sensing techniques. These include multitemporal and interferometric data from dual-frequency spaceborne radar instruments, which, although relatively recent in development, have shown huge potential for the mapping and monitoring of the Earth's surface, especially in regions where cloud cover is persistent.

The primary objective of the project is to support the development of sustainable management policies and regimes at the strategic and operative levels in order to manage the Russian forest resources in an efficient and ecological way. This development is to be based on up-to-date information on forest resources and related variables where existing inventory material is to be validated and confirmed. The proposed forest map will serve as a unique planning and monitoring tool for the sustainable management of the natural resources of Siberia, for ist socio-economic development and for a better understanding of the role of boreal forest in climate change.

Gamma Remote Sensing's main responsibility is the SAR and interferometric processing of the data of the Japanese JERS-1 satellite. Furthermore, Gamma participates in the methodological research for the forest and topography mapping algorithm development.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 98.0017