Remote sensing of wetland types: Mangroves

Abstract

Mangroves are characteristics of coastlines and occur primarily in the tropics and subtropical but extend to temperate regions. Remote sensing radar and optical and lidar data can be used to provide information on mangrove extent and also biophysical characteristics. Optical data are the most useful for differentiating species type, while radar and lidar data can be used, either singularly or in combination, to retrieve the three-dimensional structure (canopy height profiles, cover, and stem number density). Data from these sensors also provide information on changes in extent and biophysical properties, which can be applied at local to global levels. Lower frequency L-band radar data are particularly useful given their ability to operate regardless of weather and illumination conditions and significant efforts are being made to map the changing extent of mangroves at a global level using these data. Examples of capability are provided for Brazil, Australia, and South America.