抄録
The use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for savanna vegetation mapping in central Brazil is investigated. A wet season (February, 1996), L-band, JERS-1 SAR scene over diverse savanna vegetation types in central Brazil was acquired. A statistical analysis of 1133 backscatter samples extracted from the most representative land cover classes of the study area as well as the analysis of the relationship between field leaf area index measurements and corresponding radar returns were the basis of this study. The SAR data separated the grassland, mixed grass/shrub/ woodland and woodland units in the study area. We also found an exponential relationship (r2=0.63) between σ°and LAI. These results indicate the potential of the L-band SAR data for savanna-like vegetation mapping and monitoring.
