Probability measurement to estimate forest tree diversity using IRS - p6 satellite images in Caspian broad leaved forests

In this study, the ability of LISSIII sensor data of IRS-P6 satellite to estimate species diversity of woody plant species of forest was studied in Gombol forests in Lahijan. Ground informations were collected through selective sampling with sample plots of 900 m2 area. Geometric conformity was performed using 20 ground control points and mean root error of 0.32 in x axis and 0.37 in y axis. Chavez model was used for atmospheric correction of data. Shannon - veiner species diversity was used to study the species diversity. Amount of this index was calculated for each plot. Then amounts of spectral values for each sample plot were extracted in different bands. Best subset regression was used to analyze the relationship between species diversity and mentioned bands. Results of regression indicated that studied polynomilal equations as independent variables could estimate species diversity of trees and shrubs better than other bands or compositions (R2 = 0.449). Results indicate relatively low ability of IRS-P6 satellite data to estimate tree and shrub species diversity in study area.