Utility of Landsat Thematic Mapper data for mapping site productivity in tropical moist forests

Regression analysis was used to develop a relationship between Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper data and site quality of permanent sample plots. The thermal band (6) produced misleading results, but the ratio of band 4 on 5 showed promise when combined with geological information. Best results were obtained when regression analysis was restricted to ensure that at least one each of the visible (1 to 3), mid-infrared (5 and 7) and near-infrared (4) bands were included. Results suggest that Landsat TM may be useful for mapping site quality in tropical moist forest in north Queensland. Interpolation of site productivity within a single pass seems feasible, but attempts to extrapolate results to other passes or to imagery obtained on different dates may be unreliable.