Integration of statistical forest reflectance model and Sentinel-2 MSI images into a continuous forest inventory system

Spectral signatures of forest stands in Sentinel-2 MSI spectral bands are simulated with the statistical forest reflectance model SFRM, and compared to the spectral signatures measured in spectral images at ten study sites in Estonia. As an overall measure of the agreement between simulated and measured spectral signatures is used the total error which is calculated as the sum of relative errors over spectral bands B2 to B11 of Sentinel-2. The distribution of the total error has strongly positive skewness at all study sites and all types of forests (broadleaf, pine and spruce forests). The right tile of the distribution is low. The stands of high value of the total error far right in the tail of the distribution may have some errors in their inventory data, or the inventory data are outdated. Pertinent stands should have priority in their in situ checking process. The model SFRM is a simple and reliable tool for the validity checking of forest inventory data, using routinely collected forest inventory data and operational satellite information of moderate spatial resolution. The model is simple and computationally efficient. Preparing input data for the model is a simple query in the forest inventory database. The suggested procedure can be incorporated into automated systems of continuous forest inventory.