Canadian Forest Service links

Change monitoring

Detection of change is useful indicator of sustainable development.  Forest change may occur due to natural disturbance, succession or harvest and other man-caused disturbances.  Satellite imagery has proven a useful tool for monitoring change due to its synoptic view, frequent coverage and archive of past imagery. 

Currently in the research and methods development phase, a program is planned to produce a change map of Canada's forests periodically.  This will support the need for a consistent national picture of forest change and help fulfill international reporting commitments.  Changes can occur due to fires, insect damage, exploration, forest harvesting, land use practices, as well as regeneration, stand tending and natural succession.  Maps will be created to show afforestation, deforestation and reforestation, burns, clearcuts and regeneration.  Also planned is a sample of subtler and more ephemeral changes such as partial cuts, insect damages and regrowth.  The fact that there is no change is also important information that will be provided.  Benefits of the project will also include tools and methods to supply applications oriented solutions to industry and forest agencies.

1. A clear cut as viewd by an airborne sensor
2. Oil and gas developments as viewed by Landsat
3. Mountain pine beetle
4. Shanks forest fire
   (photo courtesy of Marie-Pierre Rogeau)
5. Land use activities as viewed by Landsat
6. Forest damage caused by a tornado.
7. Logging activities

For further information contact: