Mapping forest structure using multi-frequency RADAR data

The goal of this research is to map forest structure (height, plant cover) in the rain forest region of Queensland, Australia. This requires the use of RADAR data as it is not weather dependent, i.e., can see through clouds in a region that experiences 1,424 mm of rain annually. This work builds upon my undergraduate thesis (completion date May 2019) results which developed automated methods (Python code) to include multi-frequency RADAR data which should improve our ability to discriminate forest structure (tree height, plant cover). If our project is successful at improving the ability to map forest structure in a rain forest, than the future of the project will be to apply the automated methods to a synoptic region for operational applications. Expected outcomes include (a) the completion of a manuscript for publication based on thesis results (Murray, Storie and Sims, 2019); (b) better understanding of how L- and S-band data interact with forest structure; and (c) the potential improvement in the ability to map forest structure using multi-frequency RADAR data.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joni Storie

Student:

Partner:

Monash University (Clayton, Australia)

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Winnipeg

Program: