Deterioration of forests in the Sudety Mountains, Poland, detected on satellite images

Different methods of classification of satellite images were analyzed in order to derive information on the state of forests heavily affected by air pollution in southwestern Poland. Detailed information about type and quality of stands, derived from field inventories and aerial color infrared photographs, was used for assessing the accuracy of classification of satellite data. Using Landsat Thematic Mapper images, the characteristics of health conditions, structure of stands, three levels of damage and various phenomena could be determined that indicate forest decline. Comparison of the classified images with forest maps revealed class correspondence between satellite data and those derived from forest maps. Major changes were detected between 1976 and 1990.