Stand volume estimation using Landsat ETM+ data through atmospheric and topographic corrections in the Tohoku region

Abstract

Using the k-nearest neighbor technique, this study estimated the stand volume from systematically sampled forest inventory data and Landsat ETM+ data in the Tohoku region. The root mean square error (RMSE) of stand volume estimates was approximately 120m3/ha, which was about 50m3/ha smaller in comparison with a past study in the Kyushu region where more coniferous plantation forests dominate than the Tohoku region. After applying the atmospheric and topographic corrections, the RMSE of estimates decreased slightly (approximately 2-4m3/ha), however this reduction was small since the ETM+ data used in the present study was recorded with a high solar elevation angle.