Estimation of aboveground woody biomass of Fagus orientalis stands in Hyrcanian forest of Iran using OLI data (Case study: Gorazbon and Namkhaneh Districts, Kheyrud Forest)

In the current study, the capability of OLI-Landsat 8 data was investigated for estimating the tree above-ground woody biomass (AGWB) in Hyrcanian Fagus orientalis stands. The quality of images in term of geometric error and existing cloud was surveyed. Principle component analysis (PCA), tasseled cap transformation, rationing and fusion in both PCA and color transform approaches were employed on the images. 65 square sample plots (45×45 m2) were established in the study area and 45 sample plots were used for modeling with multiple linear regression (MLR) as stepwise. The model was validated with remaining 20 sample plots. Pearson correlation results showed most relationship between tree AGWB and corresponding spectral responds from PCA on spectral bands of 1 to 7. The same result was observed using MLR. So, this component was the most efficient variable in tree AGWB estimation in pure Fagus stands in the study area with adjusted-R2= 0.122, RMSE=14.3%, and bias=1.8%. The error of this model can be accepted on the large scale such as watersheds.