Treesearch
Comparing the USDA Forest Service Tree Canopy Cover Datasets 2011, 2016, 2019 and 2021 with Photointerpretation of High-Resolution Google Earth Imagery: Guidance for Use in in Community Scale Forest Management
| Authors: | Eric J. Greenfield, Karen G. Schleeweis |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Type: | Miscellaneous |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| Source: | Online at https://www.itreetools.org/documents/955/USFSTCCvsPIWhitePaperNovember2023.pdf |
Download (PDF 182 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/80632.pdf
Abstract
This brief paper provides guidance for using the most recent USFS science TCC data in local community-scale applications. It illustrates a comparison between the percent tree canopy cover for six cities of the United States generated from estimations of TCC based on the USFS science maps versus estimations of TCC based on photointerpretation of high-resolution Google Earth imagery from the same vintage. Please note and consider the results of this and previous analyses (some referenced below) as you evaluate the use of USFS TCC in forest management plans or other assessments.