Lawrence R. Pettinger
J. J. Talbot
1981
<p>Of the three types of remotely sensed data discussed here, Landsat data offers the greatest potential for monitoring broad changes in extensive tropical forest environments because of its low-cost, synoptic, repetitive coverage. Scientists from developing countries can choose from a variety of Landsat data classification techniques, thus enabling each country to satisfy limitations on available funding, trained personnel, and equipment.</p>
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<p>Factors limiting the application of Landsat data—including relatively low spatial resolution, persistent cloud cover in tropical regions, inadequate coverage of certain areas due to data-acquisition restraints and lack of local Landsat data receiving stations for real-time data recording—must be considered in any proposed study. Future improvements in Landsat capabilities might extend present applications beyond distinction of forest vs. non-forest cover, determination of gross vegetation or forest type, and generalized land use mapping.</p>
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Organización de los Estados Americanos, Departamento de Asuntos Científicos y Tecnológicos
Use of remote sensing for monitoring deforestation in tropical and subtropical latitudes
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