National Forest Satellite Information Technology Center

Forest Disaster and Environmental Research Department

Forest Satellite Research

• We are conducting research on the calibration and correction of forest satellites for accurate and efficient operation of satellite images capable of detecting large-scale areas. This includes utilizing satellite imagery to detect changes in forest resources and monitor forest disasters, aiming to develop usable outputs based on satellite data.

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  Forest satellite

  Forest satellite

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  Conceptual framework of the forest monitoring

  Conceptual framework of the forest monitoring

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  Diverse application of satellite imageries to the forestry sector

  Diverse application of satellite imageries to the forestry sector

Satellite Operation

• The Forest Satellite (CAS500-4) covers the entire Korean Peninsula every three days, boasting the largest swath width of any 5m-resolution satellite in the world. A ground station system is currently under development to establish observation plans, ensure quality control, and improve the system. Additionally, we are producing mock satellite images of CAS500-4 to manage algorithms. In the future, we expect to contribute to domestic and international digital forest management by receiving observation data and processing, storing, managing, and distributing primary output, analysis-ready data (ARD), and utilization products.

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  Satellite specifications

  Satellite specifications

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  Center operating system

  Center operating system

Satellite Planning & Calibration Research

• To effectively manage large forested areas and respond to urgent forest disasters, it is crucial to meticulously assess and report the quality of forest satellite imagery. We are developing technologies that utilize field observation data to evaluate the quality of forest satellite imagery. After the launch of a forest satellite, we regularly assess and report on the quality of the satellite imagery to ensure the reliability of the forest satellite information. Additionally, we are gathering user requirements for subsequent forest satellite developments and planning detailed specifications such as sensor specifications for future satellites. These efforts are expected to enhance the contribution of forest satellites to both domestic and international forest management.

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  Preprocessing (Including Collaboration)

  Preprocessing (Including Collaboration)

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  Before and after precise geometric atmospheric corrections

  Before and after precise geometric atmospheric corrections

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  ARD (Analysis Ready Data) concept

  ARD (Analysis Ready Data) concept

Satellite Utilization Strategy Research

• Research directions for the technological development and strategic studies of forest satellite utilization focus on three main areas : Development of utilization output algorithms for rapid response to forest disasters: This area concentrates on using forest satellite data to detect and respond to forest disasters such as wildfires and landslides in near-real-time. The goal is to develop algorithms that allow for the rapid processing and analysis of satellite data to monitor forest disasters and provide immediate information when disasters occur, thereby reducing response times and minimizing damage. Development of utilization output algorithms for the evaluation of forests in the Korean Peninsula and overseas: This involves developing algorithms to accurately assess and manage forest resources by evaluating forest area, species, biomass, and forest carbon levels using satellite imagery. This information is crucial for sustainable forest management and policy-making, particularly for systematically assessing resources in forests of the Korean Peninsula and abroad to aid in international forest cooperation and resource utilization. Development of utilization output algorithms for rapid detection of anomalies and monitoring of forest ecosystems: Maintaining forest health by early detection of anomalies and continuous monitoring of the overall health of forest ecosystems is essential. The goal is to develop advanced monitoring systems that combine satellite data and AI technology to detect and analyze physiological and ecological changes in forests in real-time. Additionally, the research focuses on enhancing data accuracy through the construction of AI training datasets, improving reliability through quality management of outputs, and producing more sophisticated outputs through the integration of heterogeneous sensor data. These research efforts are expected to play a vital role in maximizing the use of satellite technology in the field of forest science, supporting decision-making processes in forest policy areas, and enhancing the quality of national services for forest management and policy formulation.“

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  Forest Satellite products

  Forest Satellite products