Mapping the vegetation and spatial dynamics of Sinharaja tropical rain forest incorporating NASA’s GEDI spaceborne LiDAR data and multispectral satellite images

A high-accuracy vegetation map of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, with 90% overall accuracy (Kappa coefficient 0.9), was developed by integrating NASA’s GEDI spaceborne LiDAR data and multispectral satellite imagery. This approach revealed eight distinct vegetation/land cover types and provided detailed insights into canopy height, plant area index, and volume density, enhancing our understanding of tropical forest dynamics. The study demonstrates that combining advanced remote sensing techniques with high-resolution data offers a robust framework for ecological characterization, conservation, and management strategies.

Jayasekara, D., Dhananjani, T., Mendis, V., Jayawickrama, H., Prasad, T., Gunarathna, M., Gunarathna, P., & Mahaulpatha, D. (2025). Mapping the vegetation and spatial dynamics of Sinharaja tropical rain forest incorporating NASA’s GEDI spaceborne LiDAR data and multispectral satellite images. iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry, 18(2), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor4632-017