USING AERIAL-PHOTOGRAPHY AND SATELLITE IMAGERY TO MONITOR FOREST COVER IN WESTERN SIBERIA

Correlations between picture structure, geological and geomorphological terrain and forest structure of the western Siberian plain offer new complex computer-based approaches and methods for using satellite imagery for remote sensing of forest conditions, types and age. A hierarchy of geographically defined forest units has been developed from satellite imagery; monitoring of different forest parameters is recommended within these units. The current condition of the forest of western Siberia has been evaluated through remote sensing combined with ground truthing. This serves as the basis for predicting its natural course of development and for recommendations for long-term planning of forest resource usage taking into consideration current and anticipated changes in the environment.