Author(s): QUEIROZ, R. F. P.; OLIVEIRA, M. V. N. d'; REZENDE, A. V.; ALENCAR, P. A. L. de

Summary: The use of photogrammetry technology for aboveground biomass (AGB) stock estimation in tropical savannas is a challenging task and is still at a preliminary stage. This work aimed to use metrics derived from point clouds, constructed using photogrammetric imaging obtained by an RGB camera on board a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), to generate a model for estimating AGB stock for the shrubby-woody stratum in savanna areas of Central Brazil (Cerrado). AGB stock was estimated using forest inventory data and an allometric equation. The photogrammetric digital terrain model (DTM) was validated with altimetric field data, demonstrating that the passive sensor can identify topographic variations in sites with discontinuous canopies. The inventory estimated an average AGB of 18.3 (±13.3) Mg ha-1 at the three sampled sites. The AGB model selected was composed of metrics used for height at the 10th and 95th percentile, with an adjusted R2 of 93% and a relative root mean squared error (RMSE) of 16%. AGB distribution maps were generated from the spatialization of the metrics selected for the model, optimizing the visualization and our understanding of the spatial distribution of forest AGB. The study represents a step forward in mapping biomass and carbon stocks in tropical savannas using low-cost remote sensing platforms.

Publication year: 2023

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Acre

Keywords: Aboveground biomass, Aerial photogrammetry, Aerofotogrametria, Biomasa aérea, Biomassa, Cerrado, Distrito Federal (DF), Drone, Estimación, Estimation, Estimativa, Forest trees, Parte Aérea, Remote sensing, Sabanas, Savannas, Sensoriamento Remoto, Teledetección, Unmanned aerial vehicles, Vehículos aéreos no tripulados, Árboles forestales, Árvore Florestal