Amazon deforestation satellite

Monitoring satellites are essential to combat deforestation in the Amazon, providing accurate real-time data.

About this subject

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon relies on a constellation of Earth observation satellites. The PRODES program, run by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), has used Landsat imagery (NASA/USGS) since 1988 to detect deforested areas with 30-meter resolution. The complementary DETER system employs sensors like MODIS (Terra/Aqua) and WFI (CBERS-4) to issue near-daily alerts about new deforestation hotspots.

International collaboration is key. The CBERS satellite, developed in a Brazil-China partnership, provides wide-field imagery that helps cover the vast Amazon. Additionally, the European Union's Sentinel-2 mission (Copernicus) contributes 10-meter resolution and frequent revisit times. These data are processed by time-series analysis algorithms, such as CLASlite, capable of detecting subtle changes in forest cover.

Persistent cloud cover poses a challenge, obscuring large areas for months. To overcome it, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors like PALSAR aboard ALOS-2 (JAXA, Japan) penetrate clouds and map forest structure. Integrating optical and radar data improves alert accuracy, enabling enforcement agencies like Ibama and the Federal Police to plan inspection operations.

Technology also advances with commercial high-resolution satellites such as Planet Dove and Maxar WorldView, offering daily imagery at 3 to 0.3 meters. These data are used to verify alerts and identify illegal activities like mining and logging. Satellite monitoring has become the backbone of Brazilian environmental policies, reducing deforestation by 70% between 2004 and 2012, and remains vital for protecting the world's largest tropical forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do satellites detect deforestation in the Amazon?

Satellites use optical and radar sensors that capture changes in vegetation reflectance. Algorithms compare images over time, identifying areas where forest has been removed. Systems like PRODES analyze annual deforestation extent, while DETER issues near-real-time alerts.

What is the PRODES system from INPE?

PRODES (Program for Deforestation Calculation in the Amazon) is a Brazilian National Institute for Space Research system that monitors annual deforestation rates in the Legal Amazon since 1988. It uses Landsat imagery at 30-meter resolution and produces official reports that underpin public policies.

Which countries have satellites monitoring the Amazon?

Besides Brazil with CBERS (in partnership with China), the United States (Landsat, MODIS), Japan (ALOS-2), the European Union (Sentinel-2), and private companies (Planet, Maxar) contribute. International cooperation ensures free or low-cost data for continuous monitoring.