Large-Scale Forest Height Mapping by Combining TanDEM-X and GEDI Data

Abstract

The present study addresses the development, implementation, and validation of a forest height mapping scheme based on the combination of TanDEM-X interferometric coherence and GEDI waveform measurements. The very general case where only a single polarisation TanDEM-X interferogram, a set of spatially discrete GEDI waveform measurements, and no DTM are available is assumed. The use of GEDI waveforms to invert the TanDEM-X interferometric measurements is described together with a set of performance criteria implemented to ensure a certain performance quality. The emphasis is set on developing a methodology able to invert forest height at large scales. Combining 595 TanDEM-X scenes and about 15 million GEDI waveforms, a spatially continuous 25-m resolution forest height map covering the whole of Tasmania Island is achieved. The derived forest height map is validated against an airborne lidar-derived canopy height map available across the whole island.

Keywords

• Forest height
• GEDI
• SAR interferometry
• synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
• TanDEM-X
• waveform lidar