Estimation of some stand parameters using Landsat Tm satellite imagine: A case study in Yaprakli Forest Planning Unit

This study were carried out determine the Landsat TM satellite image in predicting stand volume, basal area and tree density (number of tree stems per hectare) in Yapraklı planning unit. The stand volume, basal area and number of trees were determined by ground measurements at total 317 temporary sampling plots. Reflectance values and vegetation indices obtained from Landsat TM satellite image points that correspond to the sampling plots. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between the reflectance values and vegetation indices with the stand volume, basal area and number of tree. The results showed that a linear combination of TM 2 and TM 7, and ND32 as independent variables was found ( =0.532, =22.4857; =0.706 =20.87072) for stand volume, respectively. A linear combination of TM 2 and TM 7, and ND32 as independent variable was found ( =0.519 = 2.7001; =0.575, Sy.x=2.24095) for basal area, respectively. The other a linear combination of TM 3 an TM 7, and NDVI, ND53, ND57, ND32, ASVI, MID57, IPVI and RVI as independent variables was found ( =0.631, =86.81688; =0.781, =80.01439) for tree density, respectively. The results obtained from models demonstrated that vegetation indices could better predict the stand volume, basal area and number of tree when compared with other combinations of Landsat TM individual bant spectral reflectance values. 2014, 72 pages KEY WORDS: Stand parameters, Landsat TM satellite image, modelling, Yapraklı Planning Unit.