Use of L-band PALSAR backscattering intensity for estimating the growing stages of the forest

This paper shows the challenges in analyzing the growing stages (i.e. tree age) of the forests in Oita Prefecture, Japan, by using the L-band ALOS PALSAR remote sensing data. A polynomial model was applied to estimate the stem volume information of the forests and the volume information was then inverted to the tree age information using the forest inventory table provided by the Oita Prefectural Government, showing the relationship of tree age as a function of stem volume for a coniferous and deciduous broad leaf trees. This made it possible to see the different growing stages of the forests within Oita Prefecture which could be used as a sound decision making in order to perform better forest management in more strategical and operative way.