Development of “Biomass-Infosys” Tool for Above Ground Biomass Estimation Using Geo-Informatics

Abstract

The important processes interacting between biosphere and atmosphere like Carbon cycle, CO₂ storage capacity of an ecosystem etc. are much affected by the plant life and its biomass. But, while estimating the spatial extent of the biomass, the common method of ground estimation of biomass is found deficient. Traditionally biomass estimation involved harvesting of the trees which also contributes to the everlasting problem of forest depletion. In this context, the necessity for non-destructive method like satellite remote sensing data which can be obtained as frequently as required to provide information for determination of quantitative and qualitative changes in biomass in the accessible as well as inaccessible areas needs to be encouraged. The biomass estimation process from satellite data uses calculation of Tasseled Cap brightness index (BI), and wetness index (WI) method which involve long and tedious calculation. In this study an attempt has been taken to develop a tool “Biomass-Infosys” using C# (Microsoft Visual Studio 2008) in Arc Object programming which generalizes the Biomass estimation process from satellite remote sensing images. Using this tool Tasseled Cap brightness index (BI), and wetness index (WI) can be calculated with a single click and also Carbon content and Carbon dioxide content will be estimated. The tool has been tested with some example data and its efficiency has also been examined.