Period: 2000

Resolutions: 0.01 degree

Extent: Global

Data can be accessed here.

Algorithm description: This Pan-tropical biomass map is created using a novel fusion approach, that integrates two existing large-scale biomass maps. The fusion model consists of bias removal and weighted linear averaging of the input maps to produce an output with greater accuracy than each of the input maps

Next, the pan-tropical biomass map was integrated with the BIOMASAR component into the GEOCARBON global aboveground forest biomass map at 0.01° resolution.

This is the first global biomass map based on field observations and remote sensing data.

Accuracy:  A reference Above Ground Biomass (AGB) dataset was used to assess the accuracy of the input and fused Pan-tropical maps. The fused Pan-tropical map had a RMSE 15–21% lower than that of the input maps. The fused map showed nearly unbiased estimates (mean bias 5 Mg dry mass/ ha vs. 21 and 28 Mg/ha for the input maps).

Limitations:

  • RMSE of the fused map was consistently lower than that of the input maps but still substantial (87–98 Mg/ha) in the largest continents (Africa, South America and Asia)
  • There is no publication on the fused Pantropical/BIOMASAR product yet.

Reference:

Avitabile, V. et al. An integrated pan-tropical biomass map using multiple reference datasets. Glob. Change Biol. 22, 1406–1420 (2016).

Saatchi, S. S. et al. Benchmark map of forest carbon stocks in tropical regions across three continents. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 108, 9899–9904 (2011).

Baccini, A. et al. Estimated carbon dioxide emissions from tropical deforestation improved by carbon-density maps. Nat. Clim. Change 2, 182–185 (2012).

Santoro, M. et al. Forest growing stock volume of the northern hemisphere: Spatially explicit estimates for 2010 derived from Envisat ASAR. Remote Sens. Environ. 168, 316–334 (2015).