Global Mangrove Canopy Height Maps from TanDEM-X and GEDI

CMS provides global maps of maximum mangrove canopy height for 2015 at 12-meter resolution. Estimates were derived from TanDEM-X digital surface models, trained and validated using GEDI lidar data, and constrained to Global Mangrove Watch extent maps. The dataset includes GeoTIFF raster maps and CSV files of heights for individual GEDI tiles.

Use Cases

• Estimating above-ground biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove ecosystems using canopy height as a key structural metric.
• Assessing local-scale geophysical and environmental drivers of forest structure by analyzing spatial height patterns.
• Validating other satellite-derived canopy height or biomass products against the GEDI lidar reference data.
• Studying the relationship between mangrove canopy height and habitat characteristics or biodiversity.

Strengths

• Provides a 12-meter resolution global product, offering detailed local-scale analysis of mangrove structure.
• Integrates two independent remote sensing sources: TanDEM-X radar data for mapping and GEDI lidar for training/validation.
• Reveals canopy heights exceeding 60 meters, documenting the exceptional stature of some mangrove forests.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA Earthdata and Data.gov signals its importance and curation.

Limitations

• Conflicting last updated dates exist across sources (2022-05-22 and 2026-03-13), creating uncertainty about version currency.
• Specific column names for the CSV files are not provided in any source description, limiting precise understanding of tabular data.
• The dataset is a single-year snapshot (2015), limiting temporal trend analysis.

Provenance

Source

ORNL_CLOUD, utilizing data from the German Space Agency's TanDEM-X and NASA's GEDI instrument.

Collection Method

Maximum canopy height estimates derived from TanDEM-X global digital surface models, with models trained and validated using GEDI lidar canopy height estimates.

Time Range

2015

Freshness

2026-03-13 03:28:40.017515

Geography

Global mangrove-forested wetlands, following Global Mangrove Watch extent maps.