A GIS-AIDED ALGORITHM FOR MAPPING THE CURRENT FOREST STATE AND DYNAMICS
A GIS-based method of forest vegetation dynamics mapping based on a combined analysis of multi-band optical satellite data, a digital elevation model (DEM), and ground data was applied in the framework of complex geographic information system "Forests of Central Siberia GIS". Image classification procedures applied to remote sensing (RS) scenes and DEM-composites (elevation, slope and curvature) were used to map forest vegetation dynamics and growth conditions. Based on the methodology described, Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite imagery, SRTM 90m DEM, and field data were processed for the Middle Angara test site. The resulting map includes two polygonal vector layers: one is forest regeneration stages and the other is forest vegetation succession series in a range of site conditions.