INTEGRATION OF REMOTE SENSING DATA AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR PRECISE MAPPING OF CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL IN FOREST
Abstract
Accurate assessment of forest carbon sequestration potential has become increasingly important for climate change mitigation, sustainable forest management, and environmental policy development. Advances in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies offer new opportunities to improve the precision and efficiency of carbon mapping across large and heterogeneous forest landscapes. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of integrating remote sensing data and GIS techniques for precise mapping of carbon sequestration potential in forest ecosystems and to identify the environmental factors influencing carbon distribution patterns. A quantitative geospatial approach was employed using multisource satellite imagery, vegetation indices, biomass estimates, topographic variables, land-cover data, and field validation measurements. Spatial modeling, statistical analysis, and GIS-based overlay techniques were applied to evaluate carbon sequestration potential across the study area. Results revealed substantial spatial variation in carbon storage capacity, with high-carbon zones concentrated in dense and ecologically intact forests. Vegetation density, biomass accumulation, forest cover percentage, and topographic characteristics showed significant positive relationships with carbon sequestration estimates. Integrated modeling achieved high predictive accuracy and demonstrated strong agreement with field observations. Findings indicate that combining remote sensing and GIS technologies provides a reliable framework for identifying carbon-rich forest areas, supporting evidence-based conservation planning, improving carbon accounting practices, and strengthening climate change mitigation strategies through more accurate spatial assessment of forest carbon resources.
Full text article
References
Abu Bakar, N. A., Omar, H., Abdul Maulud, K. N., Muhammad Nor, S. M., Muhmad Kamarulzaman, A. M., Mohan, M., & Wan Mohd Jaafar, W. S. (2025). Development of a new mangrove integrity index (MII) using multi-sensor remote sensing approaches. Ecological Indicators, 181, 114421. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.114421
Ahmed, M. M. M., Prikaziuk, E., Laub, M., Klaasse, A. L., & Ellerbroek, L. E. (2025). A novel approach to mapping and monitoring land carbon sinks by combining remote sensing and biogeochemical modeling: A case study in Burkina Faso. Ecological Informatics, 90, 103174. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103174
Ali, Y., & Rahman, M. M. (2025). Quantifying forest stocking changes in Sundarbans mangrove using remote sensing data. Science of Remote Sensing, 11, 100181. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.srs.2024.100181
Almeida, B., Monteiro, L., Tiengo, R., Gil, A., & Cabral, P. (2025). Spatially explicit assessment of carbon storage and sequestration in forest ecosystems. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 38, 101544. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2025.101544
Anees, S. A., Mehmood, K., Khan, W. R., Sajjad, M., Alahmadi, T. A., Alharbi, S. A., & Luo, M. (2024). Integration of machine learning and remote sensing for above ground biomass estimation through Landsat-9 and field data in temperate forests of the Himalayan region. Ecological Informatics, 82, 102732. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102732
Beisekenov, N., Banakinaou, W., Ajayi, A. D., Hasegawa, H., & Tadao, A. (2025). Remote sensing-based soil organic carbon monitoring using advanced machine learning techniques under conservation agriculture systems. Smart Agricultural Technology, 11, 101036. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2025.101036
Chang, J., Shao, Z., Wang, J., Mao, Z., Cheng, T., Xu, X., & Zhuang, Q. (2025). Estimation of carbon sequestration capacity of urban green infrastructure by fusing multi-source remote sensing data. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 141, 104643. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2025.104643
Chen, M., Dong, W., Yu, H., Woodhouse, I. H., Ryan, C. M., Liu, H., Georgiou, S., & Mitchard, E. T. A. (2025). Multimodal deep learning enables forest height mapping from patchy spaceborne LiDAR using SAR and passive optical satellite data. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 143, 104814. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2025.104814
Duan, M., Sanchez-Azofeifa, A., Abdulmajeed, M., Turner, D., Buckingham, K., Odari, A., Mtwana, J., Kipkoech, S., & Kasraee, N. (2025). Aboveground Carbon Estimation in a Mangrove Ecosystem Using UAV-Based Remote Sensing and Machine Learning. Ecological Indicators, 178, 113950. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113950
Ferreira, M. P., Almeida, D. R. A., Lima, I. D., Molin, P. G., dos Santos, D. R., Oliveira, R. A. A. C., Brancalion, P. H. S., Rodrigues, R. R., & Viani, R. A. G. (2025). Liana removal alters canopy chemistry more than structure in tropical seasonal forests: Insights from UAV-borne hyperspectral and LiDAR data. Ecological Indicators, 181, 114468. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.114468
Fu, H., Zhao, H., Liu, G., Zhang, Y., Huangfu, X., & Jiang, J. (2025). Forest aboveground carbon storage estimation and uncertainty analysis by coupled multi-source remote sensing data in Liaoning Province. Ecological Indicators, 176, 113729. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113729
Garshasbi, F., Ashournejad, Q., & Ghalenoei, N. (2025). A comparative assessment of remote sensing based land cover products for economic valuation of ecosystem services of Hyrcanian forests. Advances in Space Research, 75(6), 4552–4574. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2024.12.064
Huang, C., Xie, L., Chen, W., Lin, Y., Wu, Y., Li, P., Chen, W., Yang, W., & Deng, J. (2024). Remote-sensing extraction and carbon emission reduction benefit assessment for centralized photovoltaic power plants in Agrivoltaic systems. Applied Energy, 370, 123585. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123585
Jevšenak, J., Klisz, M., Mašek, J., ?ada, V., Janda, P., Svoboda, M., Vostarek, O., Treml, V., van der Maaten, E., Popa, A., Popa, I., van der Maaten-Theunissen, M., Zlatanov, T., Scharnweber, T., Ahlgrimm, S., Stolz, J., Sochová, I., Roibu, C.-C., Pretzsch, H., … Buras, A. (2024). Incorporating high-resolution climate, remote sensing and topographic data to map annual forest growth in central and eastern Europe. Science of The Total Environment, 913, 169692. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169692
Kafy, A.- Al, Saha, M., Fattah, M. A., Rahman, M. T., Duti, B. M., Rahaman, Z. A., Bakshi, A., Kalaivani, S., Nafiz Rahaman, S., & Sattar, G. S. (2023). Integrating forest cover change and carbon storage dynamics: Leveraging Google Earth Engine and InVEST model to inform conservation in hilly regions. Ecological Indicators, 152, 110374. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110374
Kasahun, M. (2025). Quantifying deforestation drivers through multi-temporal LULC analysis and population-forest correlation modeling: A case study of Dara Woreda, Ethiopia. Environmental Challenges, 19, 101163. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2025.101163
Li, H., Hiroshima, T., Li, X., Hayashi, M., & Kato, T. (2024). High-resolution mapping of forest structure and carbon stock using multi-source remote sensing data in Japan. Remote Sensing of Environment, 312, 114322. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2024.114322
Louzada, R. O., Bergier, I., Bolfe, É. L., & Barbedo, J. G. A. (2025). Integrating GIS and remote sensing for soil attributes mapping in degraded pastures of the Brazilian Cerrado. Soil Advances, 3, 100044. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilad.2025.100044
Ma, S., Xia, J., Wang, C., Zhao, Z., Zou, F., Zhang, M., Luan, G., Li, C., Tu, X., & Li, L. (2025). Forest aboveground biomass retrieval integrating ICESat-2, Landsat-8, and environmental factors. Ecological Informatics, 89, 103194. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103194
Odebiri, O., Mutanga, O., Odindi, J., Slotow, R., Mafongoya, P., Lottering, R., Naicker, R., Nyasha Matongera, T., & Mngadi, M. (2024). Remote sensing of depth-induced variations in soil organic carbon stocks distribution within different vegetated landscapes. CATENA, 243, 108216. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2024.108216
Ouattara, B., Thiel, M., Forkuor, G., Mouillot, F., Laris, P., Tondoh, E. J., & Sponholz, B. (2025). Fire Impacts, vegetation Recovery, and environmental drivers in West African savannas (2014–2023): A High-Resolution remote sensing assessment. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 143, 104783. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2025.104783
Pascual, A., Grau-Neira, A., Morales-Santana, E., Cereceda-Espinoza, F., Pérez-Quezada, J., Cárdenas Martínez, A., & Fuentes-Castillo, T. (2024). Old-growth mapping in Patagonia’s evergreen forests must integrate GEDI data to overcome NFI data limitations and to effectively support biodiversity conservation. Forest Ecology and Management, 568, 122059. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122059
Pizarro, S., Requena-Rojas, E., Barboza, E., Peña-Elme, E., Arias-Arredondo, A., & Ccopi, D. (2025). Ecological and carcinogenic risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in rangelands and croplands around Lake Junin (Peru): Integrating remote sensing, machine learning, and land cover segmentation. Science of The Total Environment, 999, 180327. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180327
Rashid, I., & Rafiq Kashani, S. D. (2025). Forest dynamics and above-ground forest biomass changes utilizing Google Earth Engine, machine learning, and field-based observations in the Kashmir Himalaya, India. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 27, 100759. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2025.100759
Ribas-Costa, V. A., Trlica, A., & Gastón, A. (2025). Integrating regional forest productivity maps with supplemental data to optimize forest management priority: A case study in Ibiza (Spain). Journal of Environmental Management, 381, 125221. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125221
Sarkheil, H., Rostamian, E., Rahbari, S., & Lak, R. (2025). Developing a novel ecological fuzzy forest health index (FFHI) for Standardizing forest-smart mining using remote sensing techniques. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 26, 100700. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2025.100700
Sarmiento, R. T., Abella, P. Y., Handayan, S. M. B., Madelo, J. M., Mercado, J. A., & Palaso, R. L. (2025). Potential impacts of industrial tree plantation encroachment on tree species diversity and carbon storage in the riparian zones of Andanan Watershed Forest Reserve, Philippines. One Ecosystem, 10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3897/oneeco.10.e135722
Schmidt, H. E., Osorio Leyton, J., Noa Yarasca, E., Popescu, S. C., Jones, J. J., Wied, J. P., & Wu, X. (2025). A novel approach to field data augmentation with remote sensing and machine learning in rangelands. Ecological Informatics, 90, 103353. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103353
Shao, T., Qian, F., Wang, S., Jiang, Z., Liu, H., Lal, R., & Han, W. (2025). Spatial prediction and dynamic change of soil organic carbon using remote sensing variables as auxiliary information in wavy plain, Northeast China. Soil and Tillage Research, 254, 106759. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2025.106759
Shen, F., Haseeb, M., Tahir, Z., Mahmood, S. A., & Tariq, A. (2025). Reimagining land use policies: Carbon trade-offs between urbanization and ecological restoration. Land Use Policy, 158, 107770. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2025.107770
Suárez-Fernández, G. E., Martínez-Sánchez, J., & Arias, P. (2025). Enhancing carbon stock estimation in forests: Integrating multi-data predictors with random forest method. Ecological Informatics, 86, 102997. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.102997
Tompalski, P., Wulder, M. A., White, J. C., Hermosilla, T., Riofrío, J., & Kurz, W. A. (2024). Developing aboveground biomass yield curves for dominant boreal tree species from time series remote sensing data. Forest Ecology and Management, 561, 121894. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.121894
Wang, C., Luo, C., Meng, X., Wang, C., & Liu, H. (2025). Intelligent mapping paradigm to overcome systematic bias in remote sensing SOC estimation: A case study of the black soil region in China and the United States. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 230, 644–660. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2025.10.002
Wei, M., Zhao, Y., Xu, J., Du, H., Li, X., & Mao, F. (2025). Phenology-explicit remote sensing estimation of V25cmax spatiotemporal dynamics and uncertainty in Moso bamboo forests. Ecological Indicators, 181, 114469. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.114469
Wei, N., Lin, Y., & Zheng, H. (2025). Prediction of the flood distribution caused by returning cropland to forest based on Generative Adversarial Network and multi-source remote sensing data. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 143, 104790. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2025.104790
Wei, Y., Chen, Y., Wang, J., Yu, P., Xu, L., Zhang, C., Shen, H., Liu, Y., & Zhang, G. (2025). Mapping soil organic carbon in fragmented agricultural landscapes: The efficacy and interpretability of multi-category remote sensing variables. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 24(11), 4395–4414. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jia.2025.02.049
Xu, F., Yan, Q., & Ding, Z. (2025). A study on perception of urban green space carbon sequestration based on biotope classification: a case study of the Urban Forest in Shanghai. Trees, Forests and People, 22, 101047. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2025.101047
Xu, M., Tian, J., Tian, Q., Huang, F., He, S., Zhang, Z., & Li, X. (2025). Optimizing remote sensing methods for forest stand density estimation in mountainous areas: a UAV-sentinel-2 synergy. Ecological Indicators, 179, 114247. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.114247
Zanguim, T. G. H., Delanot, T. N. A., Kaam, R., Bondoro, H. O., Odjimbaye, N.-A., Awazi, N. P., & Tchamba, M. N. (2024). Inventory of timber and non-timber forest products through remote sensing and mapping: The example of bamboo resources in chad. Advances in Bamboo Science, 9, 100118. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bamboo.2024.100118
Zhang, X., Jia, W., Lu, S., & He, J. (2024). Ecological assessment and driver analysis of high vegetation cover areas based on new remote sensing index. Ecological Informatics, 82, 102786. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102786
Zhang, Y., Cheng, K., Yang, Z., Chen, Y., Yang, H., Ren, Y., Wan, J., & Guo, Q. (2025). Spatio-temporal dynamics of future aboveground carbon stocks in natural forests of China. Forest Ecosystems, 13, 100293. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100293
Zhang, Y., Li, X., Zhang, R., Cheng, L., Jia, M., Zhao, C., Guo, X., Zeng, H., Yu, W., Shi, Q., & Wang, Z. (2025). A robust and efficient approach to estimating the age of secondary mangrove forests employing time-series Landsat images and the CCDC model. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 143, 104789. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2025.104789
Zhang, Y., Zhao, B., Yang, W., Sui, L., Yang, G., Wei, Z., Yang, C., Du, H., Qu, P., & Yu, S. (2025). Optimization of remote sensing estimation model for biomass of rubber plantations from the perspective of multi-source feature fusion. Trees, Forests and People, 21, 100969. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100969
Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Obed Patiung, Nilam Atsirina Krisnaputri, Li Wei

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.