The features of scientific investigation on the processes of deforestation and afforestation in the Kirovohrad region using modern remote sensing methods have been revealed in the artricle. As the research site, the unique hornbeam-oak forest «Chornyi Lis» (Black Forest), located in Central Ukraine, was selected. The main aim of the study was to identify the patterns of development of deforestation and afforestation processes within the studied territory, determine their spatial and temporal characteristics, and formulate recommendations for the further protection of the forest resources in the region.
The study analyzed repositories of such satellite imagery databases as EO Browser and Google Earth Pro, in particular multi-temporal images from Landsat-5 and Landsat-8 satellites. Important information was also obtained as a result of a comparative analysis of the Interactive World Forest Map and the Global Forest Change dataset provided by the World Forest Monitoring Service.
The obtained results demonstrate the high efficiency of remote sensing methods and tools, in particular satellite monitoring of the Earth’s surface, in studying the forest cover of our planet.
Black forest of the upper reaches of the Ingulets: value, problems, prospects (2018). Materials of the round table, March 1, 2018 Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine. Retrieved from: http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/arhl_2018_2_14 [in Ukrainian].
Mirza-Sidenko, V.M. (2018). The Black Forest as one of the most important botanical areas in Ukraine. Black forest of the upper reaches of the Ingulets: value, problems, prospects. (pp. 29-35). Retrieved from: https://argumentua.com/stati/nats-onalnii-park-chornii-l-s-ne-chorna-d-ra-i-ne-b-la-plyama [in Ukrainian].
Official website of the State Agency of Forest Resources of Ukraine. URL: https://forest.gov.ua/ [in Ukrainian].
Torosov, A.S., & Hlebov M.M. (2008). Basic principles of forming optimal forest cover. Forestry and agroforestry. (pp. 28-35). Іssue 114. Retrieved from: https://nasplib.isofts.kiev.ua/handle/123456789/16363 [in Ukrainian].
Website «Global Forest Watch». Retrieved from: (https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/) [in English].
Website «Google Earth». Retrieved from https://earth.google.com/web/ [in English].
Website «Sentinel-hub EO Browser». Retrieved from: https://apps.sentinel‐hub.com/eo‐browser/ [in English].