Global PALSAR-2/PALSAR Forest/Non-Forest Map (JAXA/ALOS/PALSAR/YEARLY/FNF)

The global forest/non-forest map (FNF) is generated by
classifying the SAR image (backscattering coefficient) in the
global 25m resolution PALSAR-2/PALSAR SAR mosaic so that strong and
low backscatter pixels are assigned as “forest” and “non-forest”,
respectively. Here, “forest” is defined as the natural forest
with the area larger than 0.5 ha and forest cover over 10%. This
definition is the same as the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) definition. Since the radar backscatter from the forest
depends on the region (climate zone), the classification of
Forest/Non-Forest is conducted by using a region-dependent
threshold of backscatter. The classification accuracy is
checked by using in-situ photos and high-resolution optical
satellite images. Detailed information is available in the provider’s
Dataset Description.

Attention:

• Backscatter values may vary significantly from path to path
  over high latitude forest areas. This is due to the change of
  backscattering intensity caused by freezing trees in winter.
  Please note that this may affect the classification of
  forest/non-forest.