Abstract

In recent years forest ecosystems have come under increasing pressure from environmental changes such as global warming and the impacts of pollution. Recent research has indicated that computer-simulation models driven by remotely sensed estimates of key variables may be used to assess the spatial impact of global environment changes on forest processes. This article begins with a discussion of key issues related to driving such models with remotely sensed estimates of these key variables. The article then outlines an investigation that examined whether a general ecosystem simulation model (FOREST-BGC), driven by remotely sensed and meteorological data, could be used to estimate forest processes for a Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) plantation in mid-Wales.