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Observed images, research and application examples using PRISM, AVNIR-2 and PALSAR. Monitoring the north and south polar regions using the ALOS/PALSAR (International Polar Year). The reference dataset by the ALOS Kyoto and Carbon Initiative Project. The research development targets for ALOS data utilization and its algorithm development for data products are described. Accuracy evaluations and assessments of ALOS products. An international project led by JAXA EORC. To obtain the image with spatial and temporal consistencies over sub-continental scale. Call for research proposal using ALOS products. Information of ALOS related meeting. Technical information and document to use ALOS products. FAQ and guidance to use ALOS products. Overview of ALOS and its sensors. |
Overview
The ALOS Kyoto & Carbon Initiative
The ALOS Kyoto & Carbon Initiative is an international collaborative project led by JAXA Earth Observation Research Center (EORC). It forms the continuation of JAXA's JERS-1 SAR Global Rain Forest and Global Boreal Forest Mapping project (GRFM/GBFM) into the era of the Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS).
The ALOS K & C Initiative is set out to support explicit and implicit data and information needs raised by international environmental Conventions, Carbon Cycle Science and Conservation of the environment - referred below to as the CCCs. Led and coordinated by EORC JAXA, the Initiative is being undertaken by an international Science Team, and focuses primarily on defining and optimizing provision of data products and validated thematic information derived from in-situ and satellite sensor data, focusing particularly on that acquired by the Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) on-board the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS). The objective of the ALOS K & C Initiative is to define, develop and validate thematic products derived primarily from ALOS PALSAR data that can be used to meet the specific information requirements relating to the CCCs. A key component of this work has been the development of a systematic data acquisition strategy for ALOS which comprises fixed, systematic global observation plans for PALSAR. The strategy is implemented as a top-level foreground mission and with a priority level second only to that of emergency observations. With emphasis on acquiring repetitive and consistent data over continental scales, it ensures that adequate data will be collected to allow the required thematic output products to be developed on a timely basis. The K & C Initiative is based on the three coordinated themes relating to global biomes; Forests, Wetlands, Deserts and Semi-Arid Regions, and a fourth theme dealing with the generation of regional ALOS PALSAR mosaics. A key word for the Initiative is regional-scale applications and product development, with data requirements in the order of hundreds or thousands of PALSAR scenes for each prototype area. Each theme has identified key products that can be generated from the PALSAR data including land cover (forest mapping), forest change mapping and forest biomass and structure (Forests), global wetlands inventory and change (Wetlands), freshwater resources and desertification (Deserts). Each of these products are generated using a combination of PALSAR, in situ and ancillary datasets. Scientific support An international Scientific Advisory Panel has been established to assure scientific relevance in the project design and alignment with other relevant international efforts (e.g. GOFC/GOLD, IGOL, GTOS/TCO). The panel consists of scientists active in the fields of carbon modeling and biophysical parameter retrieval, SAR experts, and representatives from GOFC, TCO, FAO, space agencies, universities and public research institutions. Contact points
M. Shimada, A. Rosenqvist (invited researcher), and T. Tadono 
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Science Plan (Ver.3.1, March 2008) (pdf file / 11,249KB) 
Earth Observation Research Center
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