Relationship between spectral variables with RapidEye images and dendrometric variables in teak plantations using principal component analysis

Geo-technological information is increasingly used to monitor forest stands through analytical techniques and procedures for large-scale plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between spectral variables (through vegetation index) using images from the RapidEye satellite, dendrometric variables and the uniformity index in teak plantations by applying principal component analysis. The experiment was implemented in 2015, distributed in 12 experimental units, and 50 trees were measured per unit. The field data were obtained from the forest inventory carried out in May 2019, when data on total height (ht) and diameter at 1.30 m height (dbh) of all trees were collected. A strong negative correlation was observed between vegetation indexes and dendrometric variables with uniformity index. The main component analysis indicated the possibility of differentiating uniform from non-uniform plantations. Therefore, it is possible to predict uniformity in teak stands through the correlation between dendrometric variables and spectral variables from the RapidEye satellite.