Catarina dos Santos Gonçalves Candeias

To address the problem of climate changes, CO2 sequestration by forests should be assessed. Forests store carbon in their biomass- about half of it is carbon. The trees’ diameter, height and age are relevant parameters for forests’ biomass estimation.
Various methods have been utilized to estimate forests’ biomass. Initially, field measurements using tape measures, clinometers and frequently a ruler were used. They are precise but limited to local scales. In contrast, remote sensing, like drones and
satellites, can provide images at regional and global scales. They can use optical, radar or Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors for this purpose.
LiDAR is more accurate than optical or radar sensors. It is becoming incorporated in smartphones such as I-Phone 12. Mixed-reality devices also have emerged to involve people in forests mapping, in addition to existing tree measuring apps.
Google Earth provides free and historical data, but does not offer hypespectral images required to properly estimate biomass.
Drones perform three-dimensional terrain geometry, which is relevant to determine trees’ height. They are widely available today.
Carbon captured by forests (and for other land use types) can be used to compensate forest growers and farmers, as they are contributing to mitigate climate change.