An assessment of the potentiality of satellite remote sensing of biomass forestry. A case study: the project LEBEN-Abruzzo

International audienceIn the framework of the project LEBEN-Abruzzo, high resolution satellite data are used to assess the potentiality of satellite remote sensing for a better knowledge of the spatial distribution of the forest resources and a better management of this potential energy resource. Objects observed by a multispectral sensor can be classified by spectral signatures. Using a Landsat image of July 1985, forests have already been separated in coppice and timber, and also in three major species: oak, beech and coniferous. These satellite maps bring significant improvement to the existing forestry maps. Tree species will be mapped in future developments (oak, beech, and coniferous). The most difficult goal lies in the determination of the standing wood from space. The research is in progress, and the results will be provided in Autumn 1986. This study has already demonstrated the potentiality of satellite data for mapping the information on a surface basis (one ha elements) rather than average values per district. Now in progress is the examination of the multispectral relationship between the satellite data and the volume of standing wood