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Overview

The SAR Handbook: Comprehensive Methodologies for Forest Monitoring and Biomass Estimation is a hands-on introduction to use and interpretation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. The handbook includes lessons and tutorials to help remote sensing scientists use SAR for forest change detection, forest height estimation, biomass estimation, mangrove monitoring, and sampling design. Each chapter includes a theoretical background section to help users understand the science behind each topic, as well as step-by-step applied exercises. Chapters also include data, scripts, and slideshows necessary for each tutorial. You can download the entire SAR Handbook (PDF), or explore individual chapters, trainings, and one-pagers.

The SAR Handbook was a collaborative effort of the SERVIR Program and SilvaCarbon. SERVIR was a former U.S. interagency program that supported local decision-makers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America through custom-made geospatial and Earth data applications. SilvaCarbon was a former U.S. Government interagency program providing support to communities using remote sensing to study and manage forests.

Access The SAR Handbook (PDF, 51.83 MB)

SAR for Forest Structure Video

NASA SERVIR produced the video above to help users orient themselves on how SAR collects vertical height information with different bands for forest monitoring.

 

Companion Files for Using the SAR Handbook

Each chapter of the SAR Handbook is divided into a theory section, which discusses the scientific background of the chapter topic; a tutorial section, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to put the theory into practice; and additional tutorial materials, which include data, scripts, and slideshows necessary to complete the tutorial.

Chapter/ SectionTheory SectionStep-by-Step Tutorial InstructionsTutorial Materials
Front Matter: Title Page, Table of Contents, Acknowledgements, Preface, Forward, and About the Editors

Cover to Editors (PDF, 1.24 MB)

 

  
Chapter 1: Introduction and RationaleChapter 1 Theory (PDF, 348.55 KB)  
Chapter 2: Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar: Principles, Data Access, and Basic Processing TechniquesChapter 2 Theory (PDF, 2.18 MB)Chapter 2 Tutorial (PDF, 6.84 MB)
Chapter 3: Using SAR Data for Mapping Deforestation and Forest DegradationChapter 3 Theory (PDF, 4.39 MB)Chapter 3 Tutorial (PDF, 3.47 MB)
Chapter 4: Forest Stand Height EstimationChapter 4 Theory (PDF, 1.9 MB)Chapter 4 Tutorial (PDF, 3.42 MB)
Chapter 5: SAR Methods for Mapping and Monitoring Forest BiomassChapter 5 Theory (PDF, 6.24 MB)Chapter 5 Tutorial (PDF, 3.06 MB)
Chapter 6: Radar Remote Sensing of Mangrove ForestsChapter 6 Theory (PDF, 2.4 MB)Chapter 6 Tutorial (PDF, 3.72 MB)
Chapter 7: Sampling Designs for SAR-Assisted Forest Biomass SurveysChapter 7 Theory (PDF, 1.33 MB)Chapter 7 Tutorial (PDF, 2 MB)
Chapter 8: Perspectives on the Future Application of SAR in Forest and Environmental MonitoringChapter 8 Theory (PDF, 1.76 MB)  

SAR Quick Reference Guides

The SAR quick reference guides highlight key concepts derived from the SAR Handbook.

  1. SAR Data Access and Availability Guide (PDF, 120.79 KB)
  2. SAR Vegetation Indices Guide (PDF, 123.06 KB)
  3. SAR Data Pre-Processing Steps (PDF, 680.14 KB)
  4. SAR and Estimating Forest Height Guide (PDF, 118.59 KB)
  5. SAR Backscatter and Forest Type Guide (PDF, 74.6 KB)