Detecting and Updating Forest Cover Changes Using Korean Multipurpose Satellite (KOMPSAT-1) Imagery

초록

Successful launch of the Korean multipurpose satellite (KOMPSAT-1) has expanded the opportunity of using remote sensing technology over diverse applications. The KOMPSAT-1 has two imaging sensors of distinct specification and application; electro-optical camera (EOC) and ocean scanning multi-spectral imager (OSMI). EOC is a push-broom type scanner operating in panchromatic mode at the spectrum range between 510 and 730 nm. With the capability of obtaining stereo pair imagery, it was designed to provide a 6.6m spatial resolution image for topographic mapping. Besides the topographic mapping, it can also be used for the extraction of thematic information. Forest stand map, produced by aerial photography, has been a main tool for managing forest resources in Korea since the early 1970’s. However, forests have been vulnerable to change by many factors of land developments and environmental perturbations. The monitoring of forest changes and other land covers is very important for maintaining environmental quality. Although EOC data have a certain limitation to be used for forest cover mapping, it can be used to detect and update the forest cover changes. When geo-referenced EOC imagery is overlaid with a vector map of forest stand, the changed segments of forest land can be detected and delineated by visual interpretation and computer classification. Radiometric and spectral characteristics of KOMPSAT-1 EOC data were discussed from the aspect of forest cover changes at local scale.