SBIR-STTR Award

The goal of the SBIR is to "Operationalize multiscale Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) forest structure and disturbance metrics". The objectives are to develop 1.) operational forest structure and disturbance metrics derived from Synthetic Aperture Radar and 2.) mapping information services for rapid forest disturbance assessment. A set of practical questions to be answered at three demonstration case study sites will evaluate the technical, scientific, and commercial feasibility. A direct outcome is the creation of rapid, automated forest structure metrics, disturbance assessment, and decision support tools to improve our understanding of forest health and sustainability; quantify the impacts of disturbance; and help characterize the impacts of climate change and invasive species on forest resources. This SBIR also addresses a NIFA Societal Challenge Area, “Climate Change”, by developing standardized assessment metrics that will contribute to carbon science and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through programs such as Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) National Program and international programs such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD).

Demand for mapping forest disturbance and structural characteristics exists from USDA and Federal programs, industry, and international programs such as REDD. Applications range from operational forestry, assessing carbon sequestration, monitoring wildlife habitat, weather and disaster response, infestations, gauging forest productivity, and evaluating programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Easements, FIA, and state management plans. There is an opportunity to operationalize multiscale Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to generate metrics of stand structure and spatiotemporal changes. Specifically, this SBIR Phase II is to prototype an automated system and scale products for above ground biomass, forest stand height, crown canopy cover, and disturbance detection using multiscale SAR. During Phase II we build on previous work and leverage ongoing partnerships with USDA USFS and space agencies (NASA, USGS, JAXA, ISRO). Our focused Phase II builds on Phase I case studies by conducting a coordinated campaign of near-simultaneous collection of field data, SAR, and Lidar in partnership with USFS; adds the recently launched operational Sentinel C-band satellites; and scales products to larger areas in a robust and automated approach. We considered recommendations from Phase 1 reviews, Science Advisory Panel feedback, and the most promising outcomes from Phase 1. The long-term (Phase III) vision is to 1.) provide disturbance mapping services, 2.) build and offer robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) forest metrics derived from multiscale SAR, and 3.) develop Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to support regional, Federal (USFS, NASA, EPA), and international programs centered on monitoring forest disturbances and characterizing ecosystems services.