Mapping and monitoring land cover types in Corumbiara area, Brazilian Amazônia, using Landsat TM and JERS-1 SAR multitemporal data

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of a Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and JERS-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) time-series for mapping and monitoring land cover types in a test site in the region of Corumbiara, Rondônia State, western Brazilian Amazônia. In order to support JERS-1 data analysis, land cover maps were obtained by digital classification of Landsat TM images acquired from 1993 to 1997 period, following a procedure based on image segmentation, unsupervised classification, and post-classification image edition. The comparison of these products with JERS-1 temporal images shows that clear-cut areas are well-identified presenting a low backscattering response as expected. On the other hand, areas that have been cleared and even burned but with remaining forest material left on the ground present high backscattering response. Considering these observations and user interpretation expertise, temporal SAR images present an effective source of information for mapping and monitoring deforestation, especially in areas covered by clouds with restricted use of optical data.