Training Course on Satellite Image Analysis for Deforestation Monitoring for Conservation Scientists

Course Outline

Module 1: Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing for Forests

ü  Introduction to electromagnetic spectrum and vegetation reflectance

ü  Key satellite missions for forest monitoring (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel, MODIS)

ü  Spatial, spectral, temporal, and radiometric resolution

ü  Understanding forest canopy structure and its spectral characteristics

ü  Practical Session: Exploring various satellite imagery types and their band combinations for forest visualization

Module 2: Satellite Image Acquisition and Pre-processing

ü  Sources of free and commercial satellite imagery

ü  Image acquisition strategies and planning

ü  Radiometric and atmospheric correction techniques

ü  Geometric correction and image registration

ü  Practical Session: Downloading satellite imagery and performing radiometric/atmospheric corrections

Module 3: Spectral Indices and Forest Health Assessment

ü  Understanding common vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI, EVI, SAVI)

ü  Calculating and interpreting vegetation indices

ü  Using indices to assess forest vigor, stress, and degradation

ü  Applications in forest fire severity mapping

ü  Practical Session: Calculating NDVI and other vegetation indices from satellite imagery

Module 4: Image Classification for Forest Cover Mapping

ü  Introduction to image classification: supervised vs. unsupervised

ü  Training data collection and signature file creation

ü  Common classification algorithms (e.g., Maximum Likelihood, Random Forest, SVM)

ü  Post-classification processing and refinement

ü  Practical Session: Performing supervised and unsupervised image classification to map forest cover

Module 5: Introduction to Change Detection for Deforestation

ü  Concepts of change detection in remote sensing

ü  Identifying "from-to" changes in land cover

ü  Image differencing and ratioing techniques

ü  Visual interpretation of deforestation patterns

ü  Practical Session: Applying image differencing to identify areas of significant spectral change

Module 6: Advanced Change Detection Techniques

ü  Post-classification comparison methods

ü  Change vector analysis (CVA)

ü  Multi-temporal data stacks for comprehensive change analysis

ü  Continuous change detection and classification (CCDC) concepts

ü  Practical Session: Performing post-classification comparison to map deforestation over two time periods

Module 7: Quantifying Deforestation and Accuracy Assessment

ü  Calculating area of deforestation and deforestation rates

ü  Understanding and constructing confusion matrices

ü  Calculating producer's, user's, and overall accuracy, and Kappa coefficient

ü  Sampling strategies for accuracy assessment

ü  Practical Session: Conducting an accuracy assessment for a deforestation map

Module 8: Time Series Analysis for Forest Dynamics

ü  Utilizing long-term satellite data archives (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel)

ü  Detecting subtle changes and disturbances through time series

ü  Identifying seasonality and trends in forest cover

ü  Break detection algorithms for sudden forest loss events

ü  Practical Session: Performing basic time series analysis to visualize forest dynamics in a region

Module 9: Drivers of Deforestation and Policy Implications

ü  Linking spatial deforestation patterns to underlying drivers (agriculture, logging, mining)

ü  Integrating socio-economic data with remote sensing outputs

ü  GIS-based approaches for analyzing deforestation drivers

ü  Remote sensing's role in REDD+ initiatives and forest governance

ü  Practical Session: Overlaying deforestation maps with socio-economic or land-use data to infer drivers

Module 10: Reporting and Visualizing Deforestation Monitoring Results

ü  Designing effective maps and visualizations for deforestation reports

ü  Creating compelling infographics and dashboards

ü  Communicating technical results to non-technical audiences

ü  Best practices for presenting deforestation data for policy and conservation action

ü  Practical Session: Creating a comprehensive report and map series showcasing deforestation trends

About Our Trainers

The training will be delivered by a team of highly experienced and certified trainers with extensive practical expertise in satellite image analysis and its applications in conservation science. Our trainers are seasoned remote sensing specialists and environmental researchers who have worked on numerous deforestation monitoring projects globally. They are renowned for their ability to translate complex remote sensing concepts into easily digestible and applicable knowledge, ensuring an engaging and impactful learning experience for all participants. They possess a deep understanding of the software and data platforms taught, providing invaluable real-world insights and best practices.

Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering high-quality training programs that meet the evolving needs of conservation scientists and environmental professionals. Our courses are designed to be relevant, practical, and up-to-date with the latest advancements in satellite image analysis and deforestation monitoring methodologies, ensuring participants acquire skills that are immediately valuable in their work. We pride ourselves on a curriculum that is both rigorous and accessible, fostering deep understanding and practical proficiency to empower effective forest conservation.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program for you. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Pick-up

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202