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Abstract
Forest Cover Mapping of the Philippines
Virgilio F Basa
Director
Remote Sensing & Resource Data Analysis Department
Makati City, Philippines
Email: vfbasa@yahoo.com
Abstract
The paper discusses concerted efforts to generate at the earliest possible time the latest national forest cover statistics that is acceptable to local environment and natural resources (ENR) community and essentially compatible with international requirements on forest cover data reporting. Quick-assessment methods using recent remote sensing data is applied based on modified classification categories that took into account the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000 definitions or framework. The country had its first nationwide space-based forest cover estimate in 1988 through the Swedish Space Corporation. The data was the primary baseline information for the official forestry statistics in succeeding years. Other spaced-based data generated but never used officially, greatly differ. Wide disparities between these data had elicited critical reviews from users and ENR advocates. Doubts had been casts on the reliability of the existing statistics. Results from this new forest cover mapping using LANDSAT TM would thus resolve the issues. Assessment procedures primarily consider but is not limited to crown cover density (physiognomic aspects of the vegetation) but also the climax vegetation (the ecological nature of the areas). Accuracy level check is partially aided by field samples and secondary data, useful on montane forests (mossy type) which are not normally subject to commercial logging and cloud-covered areas.
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