Ground Validation of Seismic Line Forest Regeneration Assessments Based on Visual Interpretation of Satellite Imagery

Abstract

Seismic lines, which are narrow linear clearings used for hydrocarbon exploration, have accumulated throughout Alberta’s forest landscapes for decades. The inconsistent natural recovery of seismic lines over time has led to a fragmented landscape and has incited the need for restoration programs and associated monitoring of forest recovery on seismic lines. In this study, we evaluated a technique where we used satellite imagery to visually assign recovery classifications based on whether the seismic line remained >50% visible (Not Recovered), <50% visible (Fractionally Recovered), or not visible (Recovered) in upland mixedwood forests. We ground validated the recovery classification on 22 seismic lines using the recovery criteria of 2000 stems ha−1 and a mean tree height of 3 m. The categories of Recovered and Fractionally Recovered met the recovery criteria with 100% and 80% accuracy, respectively, while the Not Recovered category identified lines that failed to meet the recovery criteria with 83% accuracy. Based on these findings, visual interpretation of satellite imagery can be used to provide cursory-level recovery information for monitoring forest recovery on upland seismic lines at landscape-level scales.