Deep Learning Model Transfer in Forest Mapping using Multi-source Satellite SAR and Optical Images

Deep learning (DL) models are gaining popularity in forest variable prediction using Earth Observation images. However, in practical forest inventories, reference datasets are often represented by plot- or stand-level measurements, while high-quality representative wall-to-wall reference data for end-to-end training of DL models are rarely available. Transfer learning facilitates expansion of the use of deep learning models into areas with sub-optimal training data by allowing pretraining of the model in areas where high-quality teaching data are available. In this study, we perform a "model transfer" (or domain adaptation) of a pretrained DL model into a target area using plot-level measurements and compare performance versus other machine learning models. We use an earlier developed UNet based model (SeUNet) to demonstrate the approach on two distinct taiga sites with varying forest structure and composition. Multisource Earth Observation (EO) data are represented by a combination of Copernicus Sentinel-1 C-band SAR and Sentinel-2 multispectral images, JAXA ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 SAR mosaic and TanDEM-X bistatic interferometric radar data. The training study site is located in Finnish Lapland, while the target site is located in Southern Finland. By leveraging transfer learning, the prediction of SeUNet achieved root mean squared error (RMSE) of 2.70 m and R$^2$ of 0.882, considerably more accurate than traditional benchmark methods. We expect such forest-specific DL model transfer can be suitable also for other forest variables and other EO data sources that are sensitive to forest structure.

A Novel Semisupervised Contrastive Regression Framework for Forest Inventory Mapping with Multisensor Satellite Data

Accurate mapping of forests is critical for forest management and carbon stocks monitoring. Deep learning is becoming more popular in Earth Observation (EO), however, the availability of reference data limits its potential in wide-area forest mapping. To overcome those limitations, here we introduce contrastive regression into EO based forest mapping and develop a novel semisupervised regression framework for wall-to-wall mapping of continuous forest variables. It combines supervised contrastive regression loss and semi-supervised Cross-Pseudo Regression loss. The framework is demonstrated over a boreal forest site using Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 imagery for mapping forest tree height. Achieved prediction accuracies are strongly better compared to using vanilla UNet or traditional regression models, with relative RMSE of 15.1% on stand level. We expect that developed framework can be used for modeling other forest variables and EO datasets.