FORWARDS EU project

Part of EU Open Research Repository
Published October 1, 2025 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Monitoring fine-scale natural and logging-related tropical forest degradation using Sentinel-1

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon Wageningen University & Research
  • 2. ROR icon University of Potsdam
  • 3. ROR icon Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

Description

The study evaluates the use of Sentinel-1 C-band radar data to detect fine-scale forest disturbances in tropical regions, including both natural events and logging activities. A physics-based method identifies canopy gaps through changes in radar backscatter, accounting for shadow and layover effects. Tested in Panama and the Congo Basin using drone-based validation data, the approach achieved over 65% detection for disturbances larger than 200 m² with a moderate threshold. Detection accuracy mainly depended on gap size, with depth playing a smaller role. The method improves large-scale monitoring of forest degradation, supporting better understanding of disturbance patterns and drivers. 

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Additional details

Funding

European Commission
FORWARDS - The ForestWard Observatory to Secure Resilience of European Forests 101084481