Comparison of the use of Sentinel-1 SAR and ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 in mangrove aboveground biomass estimation in San Juan, Batangas, Philippines

J.J. Bilolo*, J.V. Dida, A. Araza

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This study compares the potential of Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 in estimating mangrove aboveground biomass (AGB) in San Juan, Batangas, Philippines. Mangrove forests are essential coastal ecosystems that are facing growing threats. One way of conserving them is by creating policies that can protect them. To do this effectively, information like AGB can be used as a guide. However, conventional AGB estimations are labor-intensive and ecologically disruptive. Conversely, remote sensing technologies, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR), offer a more efficient alternative. Sentinel-1, operating in C-band, and ALOS-2 PALSAR-2, operating in L-band, are two prominent SAR platforms with global coverage, offering data for land cover classification, forest monitoring, and forest biomass estimation. This research used the backscatter values of Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 as predictor variables in estimating mangrove AGB by correlating them to the observed AGB from a mangrove survey. The models developed using these platforms yielded limited accuracy, with low coefficient of determination (R2) (Sentinel-1 = 0.13; ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 = 0.12) and RMSE (Sentinel-1 = 8.72 Mg ha-1; ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 = 8.78 Mg ha-1). Potential sources of errors were identified, including small sample size and data noise. On the results, Sentinel-1 demonstrates a slightly better performance in terms of the R2 and RMSE in the modeling while ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 performed better in the validation, however, both still yielded suboptimal AGB estimates compared to other studies. Refining the models by incorporating additional parameters, exploring machine learning, and considering other data sources are recommended to enhance AGB estimation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPhilippine Geomatics Symposium (PhilGEOS) 2023
EditorsJ.A. Principe, A.M. Tamondong, M.R.C.O. Ang
PublisherISPRS
Pages53-60
Number of pages8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Apr 2024
Event2023 Philippine Geomatics Symposium, PhilGEOS 2023 - Quezon City, Philippines
Duration: 6 Dec 20237 Dec 2023

Publication series

NameInternational Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives
PublisherInternational Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Number4/W8-2023
Volume48
ISSN (Print)1682-1750

Conference/symposium

Conference/symposium2023 Philippine Geomatics Symposium, PhilGEOS 2023
Country/TerritoryPhilippines
CityQuezon City
Period6/12/237/12/23

Keywords

  • Aboveground Biomass Estimation
  • ALOS-2 PALSAR-2
  • Mangroves
  • Remote Sensing
  • Sentinel-1

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