Using satellite remote sensing analysis to evaluate a socio-economic and ecological model of deforestation in Rondônia, Brazil

Abstract

The effectiveness of an integrated socio-economic and ecological simulation model for estimating patterns and rates of deforestation in Rondônia, Brazil is evaluated using Landsat data and landscape pattern metrics. The Percent Cleared, Contagion, and Fractal Dimension of image classifications are compared to those determined from model outputs. Results indicate that rates and spatial patterns of deforestation are similar between model outputs and Landsat image analysis. Differences in clearing patterns between the model and Landsat data are due in part to topography, localized farming obstacles and the patchiness of clearings. The effects of varying spatial resolution on the metrics is also examined.