CEUBIOM
Classification of European Biomass Potential for Bioenergy Using Terrestrial and Earth Observations
Background
Satellite sensors observe the Earth at wavelengths ranging from visible to microwave, at spatial resolutions ranging from sub-metre to kilometres with differing temporal frequencies ranging from days to months. One of the best-studied areas in the field of Earth Observation (EO) with space and airborne instruments is land cover and vegetation mapping. In the last few decades, EO technology has proven a powerful tool to monitor and assess biomass on a regular basis. The methods include monitoring the status of crops during the growing season, as well as mapping vegetation habitat or solar radiation in order to achieve the best prediction of biomass potential.
Several satellite types are currently being extensively used for assessing land cover and corresponding biomass potential. Analysis of remote sensing data is the only practical approach to measure actual land cover and changes at national or international scales. Therefore biomass experts should highly rely on suitable EO and geo-information for identifying potential areas for biomass production and their significance in the global environment.
Within the framework of CEUBIOM, a harmonised methodology will be proposed for assessing the land use/land cover and forest types (LULCaFT), above ground biomass (AGB), carbon content and respective changes based on remote sensing data. Literature and reports on the above-ground biomass component will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate surrogate variables (derived from EO data and terrestrial methods) will be documented. In turn, a common methodology for gathering information on biomass potential using terrestrial and earth observations. This objective will be achieved by the implementation of a systematic assessment work plan and will result in the establishment of a harmonised approach and an e-training tool for dissemination.
