Above-ground biomass change estimation using national forest inventory data with Sentinel-2 and Landsat

This study aimed at estimating total forest above-ground net change (ΔAGB; Gg) over five years (2014–2019) based on model-assisted estimation utilizing freely available satellite imagery. The was conducted for a boreal area (approx. 1.4 Mha) in Norway where bi-temporal national inventory (NFI), Sentinel-2, and Landsat data were available. Biomass modelled direct approach. precision of estimates using only the NFI basic expansion estimator compared to four different alternative 1) Sentinel-2 or data, 2) bi- uni-temporal remotely sensed data. We found that spaceborne optical improved purely field-based by factor up three. most precise (standard error; SE = 1.7 Gg). However, decrease when small (SE 1.92 also ΔAGB could be precisely estimated end monitoring period. conclude can considerably improve estimates, repeated coincident field are free availability, global coverage, frequent update, long-term time horizon make from programs such as valuable source consistent durable carbon dynamics. • NFI, used AGB change. Using estimates. yielded nearly good Possibility estimate changes