AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL METHODS IN REMOTE-SENSING OF FORESTED ECOSYSTEMS - FOCUS ON THE PACIFIC-NORTHWEST, USA

Aerial photography has been routinely used for several decades by natu ral resource scientists and managers to map and monitor the condition of forested landscapes. Recently, along with the emergence of concepts in managing forests as ecosystems, has come a significant shift in em phasis from smaller to larger spatial scales and the widespread use of geographic information systems. These developments have precipitated an increasing need for vegetation information derived from other remot e sensing imagery, especially digital data acquired from high-elevatio n aircraft and satellite platforms. This paper introduces fundamental concepts in digital remote sensing and describes numerous applications of the technology. The intent is to provide a balanced, nontechnical view, discussing the shortcomings, successes, and future potential for digital remote sensing of forested ecosystems.