DETER-RT: The new INPE-TropiSCO deforestation monitoring system in the Amazon biome

Abstract

The Amazon biome, undergoing significant deforestation, requires robust monitoring systems for effective management and conservation. This study introduces DETER-RT, a novel deforestation detection system that combines the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-based DETER-R and the TropiSCO systems to enhance detection capabilities using Sentinel-1 satellite data. DETER-RT utilizes a double-threshold technique to optimize the detection of deforestation by balancing detection accuracy and minimizing false positives across different forest types and conditions in the Amazon. The new system modulates detection thresholds based on the proximity of new disturbances to previously detected deforestation, incorporating a dynamic, regionalized threshold adjustment to cater to the variable characteristics of the Amazon’s diverse forest cover. Initial results indicate that DETER-RT provides more timely and accurate warnings compared to existing methods, especially during the fire season, where its performance is less impacted by smoke and haze that typically hinder optical sensors. This approach exemplifies the integration of advanced remote sensing technologies and analytical techniques in environmental monitoring.