Estimating Biomass and Change with GEDI and the OBIWAN API

Start Date:

May 21, 2026

Description:

NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) lidar mission provides an extensive global sample of forest structure measurements and high-quality biomass estimates. Applying these measurements to practical carbon accounting requires extending mapped biomass information back in time so that current carbon gains under present management can be compared to past trends. This intermediate-level training introduces key concepts in carbon monitoring, including system requirements, decision-making needs, and the concept of additionality. Participants learn how the OBIWAN application builds on GEDI’s model-based statistical framework and underlying data infrastructure to generate biomass change estimates, along with associated uncertainties, for user-defined areas and time periods. The training also covers validation approaches, including the use of U.S. Forest Service inventory data to assess the accuracy and precision of OBIWAN outputs. Through hands-on activities, participants apply GEDI-based estimation methods, visualize footprint and gridded biomass products, and use the OBIWAN API to generate and analyze biomass change. Participants also explore how to compare carbon gains against business-as-usual scenarios, supporting practical, repeatable forest carbon monitoring and decision-making.

Targeted Audience:

This training is designed for end users who are interested in improving their ability to monitor, manage, and understand vegetation dynamics, including impacts and disturbances. It is especially valuable for technical teams seeking to explore novel lidar technologies to integrate into existing workflows. The sessions are geared towards technical audiences, including scientists, researchers, analysts, and land managers who are already using geospatial tools to support vegetation-related management and decision-support. These participants may be involved in areas such as ecosystem extent and health assessments, carbon quantification, and conservation or restoration planning. It may also be valuable for geospatial developers looking to build applications to serve land managers, policymakers, and greenhouse gas verification standards.

Host:

NASA Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET)

Organizer:

NASA-ARSET

Format/Training Type:

Webinar

Language:

English

Attendance:

Open

Qualifications:

Satellite Skills and Knowledge

Contact Name:

Brock Blevins

Contact Email:

brock.blevins@nasa.gov

Fees:

Link:

https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/trainings/estimating-biomass-change-gedi-obiwan-api

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