Technical Glossary - Kumi Analytics
A comprehensive guide to the terminology used in digital MRV, blue carbon monitoring, and satellite analytics.
A
Above-Ground Biomass (AGB)
The total mass of living biological material (such as trees, shrubs, and vines) present above the soil surface in a given area. In carbon markets, AGB is a critical metric for calculating the amount of carbon sequestered in a forest or mangrove ecosystem. Kumi Analytics measures AGB using a combination of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical satellite imagery.
Additionality
A fundamental principle in carbon markets requiring that the greenhouse gas emissions reductions or removals achieved by a project would not have occurred without the revenue from the sale of carbon credits. Digital MRV tools help prove additionality by establishing accurate, data-driven historical baselines.
Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR)
A category of carbon offset projects that involve planting trees or restoring vegetation on land that has been deforested or degraded. Digital MRV is used to monitor the survival rate, growth, and carbon accumulation of the newly planted vegetation over time.
AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use)
AFOLU stands for Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use. It is an IPCC greenhouse gas inventory sector covering net emissions of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O from managed lands. It combines agricultural emissions (e.g., livestock, fertilizers) with land-use changes (e.g., deforestation, wetland management) to account for human-induced greenhouse gas fluxes. Further reading: FAO CSA module, Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (lexicon), Nigeria AFOLU sector overview.
Allometric Models
Mathematical equations that relate easily measurable tree characteristics (like trunk diameter at breast height, or DBH, and tree height) to the total above-ground biomass (AGB) of the tree. In remote sensing, field-collected data is used to calculate biomass via allometric models, which then serves as the ground-truth data to train machine learning algorithms to estimate biomass from satellite imagery across large areas.
ALOS / ALOS-2 (PALSAR)
The Advanced Land Observing Satellite missions operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). They carry the PALSAR instrument, an L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). L-band SAR has a longer wavelength than Sentinel-1's C-band, allowing it to penetrate deeper into dense forest canopies, making it exceptionally valuable for measuring high-biomass tropical forests and mangroves.
Article 6 (Paris Agreement)
A provision of the Paris Agreement that allows countries to voluntarily cooperate to achieve emission reduction targets set out in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It establishes a framework for international carbon markets, where digital MRV plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and traceability of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs).
B
Blue Carbon
The carbon captured and stored by the world's coastal and marine ecosystems, primarily mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows. These ecosystems sequester carbon at a much faster rate than terrestrial forests and store it in the soil for millennia.
C
Carbon Credit / VCU
A tradable certificate representing the reduction or removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the atmosphere. A Verified Carbon Unit (VCU) is the specific term used for credits issued under the Verra standard.
Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) Index
A spectral index used to estimate the concentration of chlorophyll-a in water bodies, which serves as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass. Kumi Analytics uses this index to monitor water quality and detect early signs of harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM)
The optically measurable component of dissolved organic matter in water. CDOM absorbs ultraviolet and blue light, affecting the color of the water. Kumi Analytics uses hyperspectral and multispectral satellite imagery to measure CDOM as a key indicator of water quality and carbon cycling in coastal and inland waters.
D
Digital MRV (dMRV)
Digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification. The use of advanced technologies—such as satellite imagery, remote sensing, IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence—to automate and improve the accuracy of measuring greenhouse gas emissions reductions or removals. dMRV replaces traditional, manual field surveys.
Dynamic Baseline
A reference scenario for a carbon project that is continuously updated using real-time data, rather than relying on a static historical average. Satellite imagery enables dynamic baselining by allowing project developers to monitor control areas outside the project boundary and adjust the baseline to reflect actual, ongoing deforestation pressures.
E
Earth Observation (EO)
The gathering of information about the physical, chemical, and biological systems of the planet via remote-sensing technologies, primarily satellites. EO data is the foundational input for Kumi Analytics' digital MRV and biomass mapping solutions.
Ecosystem Services
The varied benefits to humans provided by the natural environment and healthy ecosystems. Beyond carbon sequestration, these include water purification, flood protection, and biodiversity habitat. Kumi Analytics uses remote sensing to quantify and monitor these co-benefits alongside carbon.
Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)
An optical remote sensing index similar to NDVI but optimized to improve sensitivity in high biomass regions and reduce atmospheric influences. EVI is frequently used by Kumi Analytics to monitor the health and vigor of dense tropical forests and mangroves.
F
Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL)
A benchmark for assessing a country's or region's performance in implementing REDD+ activities. It represents the expected amount of greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation if no interventions were made. Satellite-based historical land cover mapping is essential for establishing accurate FRELs.
G
GEDI (Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation)
A high-resolution laser ranging (LiDAR) instrument installed on the International Space Station. GEDI provides precise measurements of forest canopy height, canopy vertical structure, and surface elevation, which are critical inputs for calibrating satellite-based above-ground biomass models.
Gold Standard
A widely recognized voluntary carbon offset program focused on projects that demonstrate both carbon reduction and sustainable development benefits. Gold Standard is actively integrating dMRV methodologies to improve the efficiency and integrity of credit issuance.
Ground Truthing
The process of gathering empirical data directly in the field to verify and calibrate the data collected by remote sensing satellites. Accurate ground truthing (e.g., field biomass plots, water samples) is essential for training the machine learning models used in digital MRV.
H
Hyperspectral Imaging
A remote sensing technique that collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum in hundreds of narrow, contiguous bands. Unlike multispectral imaging, hyperspectral data allows for the precise identification of specific materials, making it highly effective for water quality analysis and detecting specific types of algal blooms.
J
Jurisdictional REDD+
An approach to REDD+ where emission reductions are accounted for and credited at a national or sub-national (jurisdictional) level, rather than at the individual project level. This approach requires massive, scalable satellite data processing to establish baselines and monitor entire countries or states.
L
Landsat
A joint program of NASA and the USGS, representing the longest continuous space-based record of Earth's land in existence (since 1972). Landsat data is the gold standard for establishing historical baselines (FREL) for REDD+ projects and analyzing long-term land cover change.
Leakage
In carbon markets, leakage occurs when a project's activities to reduce emissions in one area inadvertently cause an increase in emissions in another area (e.g., protecting one forest causes loggers to move to an adjacent unprotected forest). Satellite monitoring of buffer zones is essential to detect and account for leakage.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
A remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the Earth. In forestry and carbon monitoring, LiDAR is used to create highly accurate 3D models of forest canopy structure and height, which are essential for precise biomass estimation.
LULC (Land Use / Land Cover)
LULC stands for Land Use Land Cover. LULC is a composite term used in geographic information systems and remote sensing. LULC maps are typically used by urban planners, environmental scientists, and other users to better understand the physical characteristics of the land (land cover) and how it is currently being utilized (land use). For example, an area may have a land cover classification of “wetland” and a land use classification of “nature preserve.”
M
Mangrove
A shrub or small tree that grows in coastal saline or brackish water. Mangrove forests are highly productive blue carbon ecosystems that provide critical coastal protection and biodiversity habitats. Kumi Analytics specializes in mapping mangrove extent and estimating their carbon stocks using multi-sensor satellite data.
MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)
A key instrument aboard NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. While it has a lower spatial resolution (250m to 1km), MODIS provides daily global coverage across 36 spectral bands. It is widely used for broad-scale environmental monitoring, sea surface temperature mapping, and large-scale drought assessment.
Multispectral Imaging
A remote sensing technique that captures image data within specific wavelength ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum (typically 3 to 15 broad bands). It is commonly used to calculate vegetation indices like NDVI and monitor broad changes in land cover.
N
Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
Actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. Carbon markets are a primary funding mechanism for NbS projects.
Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR)
An index designed to highlight burned areas and estimate fire severity. NBR uses near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) wavelengths. It is critical for monitoring forest degradation and assessing the impact of wildfires on carbon projects.
Normalized Difference Fraction Index (NDFI)
In the context of LULC (land use / land cover), NDFI is a powerful tool for monitoring forest degradation. Unlike standard indices like NDVI that use raw spectral bands, NDFI is derived from Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA). References: NDFI overview, Springer chapter, ForesToolboxRS ndfiSMA.
How it works: NDFI breaks a pixel down into fractions of “endmembers”: Green Vegetation (GV), Non-Photosynthetic Vegetation (NPV), Soil (S), and Shade. See the Springer chapter and ForesToolboxRS documentation.
Formula: The GV fraction is first normalized to reduce the effect of shadows, giving GV_shade = GV / (1 − Shade) (where shade fraction is below 1). Then:
NDFI = (GV_shade − (NPV + Soil)) / (GV_shade + (NPV + Soil))
See the NDFI overview for context.
Application: NDFI is more sensitive to canopy damage from selective logging and forest fires than individual vegetation fractions alone. High values (near 1) indicate intact forests, while lower values signal degradation as soil and dead vegetation (NPV) become more exposed. See this Remote Sensing of Environment article and the Springer chapter.
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
A widely used remote sensing index that assesses whether the target being observed contains live green vegetation. It is calculated from the visible and near-infrared light reflected by vegetation.
Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI)
A remote sensing index used to monitor changes in water content of leaves and water bodies. It is highly effective for mapping flood extents, monitoring drought stress in vegetation, and assessing water quality parameters.
O
OxCarbon
OxCarbon Limited is a principles-based standard and not-for-profit registry for carbon offsetting projects, spun out from Oxford University. OxCarbon seeks to promote innovation in climate impact projects that align with the Oxford Offsetting Principles through a principles-driven approach supported by transparency and scrutiny from the academic peer review community.
P
Permanence
The requirement that the climate benefit of a carbon offset project is irreversible, or that mechanisms are in place to compensate for any reversal (e.g., if a protected forest burns down). Continuous satellite monitoring is essential for ensuring permanence by rapidly detecting disturbances.
PlanetScope
A constellation of hundreds of 'Dove' nanosatellites operated by Planet Labs. PlanetScope provides daily, high-resolution (approx. 3-meter) optical imagery of the entire Earth's landmass. This high temporal resolution is critical for near real-time monitoring of illegal logging and rapid disturbance detection.
PRISMA
An Earth observation satellite mission operated by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) carrying a hyperspectral sensor. PRISMA captures data across 240 contiguous spectral bands, providing the detailed optical signatures required for advanced water quality analysis, mineral mapping, and complex vegetation health assessments.
R
REDD+
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation. A framework created by the UNFCCC to guide activities in the forest sector that reduces emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, as well as the sustainable management of forests and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries.
S
SAR Wavelengths (L-band, C-band, X-band)
Different wavelengths of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) penetrate forest canopies to different depths. X-band (shortest) reflects off the top of the canopy (leaves/small branches). C-band (medium, e.g., Sentinel-1) penetrates the upper canopy. L-band (longest, e.g., ALOS PALSAR) penetrates deep into the canopy, reflecting off main trunks and large branches. Combining these provides a 3D understanding of forest structure and accurate biomass estimation.
Sentinel-1
An Earth observation satellite mission operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Copernicus program. Sentinel-1 provides continuous, all-weather, day-and-night Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. It is a foundational data source for Kumi Analytics' biomass mapping and flood extent monitoring.
Sentinel-2
An Earth observation satellite mission operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Copernicus program. Sentinel-2 provides high-resolution optical multispectral imagery with a 5-day revisit time. It is heavily used for calculating vegetation indices (like NDVI and EVI) and monitoring land cover change.
Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI)
A vegetation index designed to minimize soil brightness influences using a soil-brightness correction factor. SAVI is particularly useful in arid and semi-arid regions where vegetative cover is sparse and the soil surface is exposed.
Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)
The carbon stored in the soil, representing a significant portion of the total carbon pool in ecosystems like mangroves, peatlands, and grasslands. While satellites cannot measure SOC directly underground, remote sensing is used to map above-ground vegetation types, soil moisture, and land cover changes, which serve as strong proxies to model and stratify SOC distribution across large landscapes.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
An active remote sensing technology that transmits microwave pulses toward the Earth and measures the reflected signal. SAR can penetrate clouds and operate at night. Because longer microwave wavelengths can penetrate forest canopies, SAR is critical for measuring the structural volume and above-ground biomass of dense forests and mangroves.
T
Total Suspended Matter (TSM)
The dry weight of suspended particles in a water sample, often used as a measure of water turbidity. High TSM can indicate erosion, agricultural runoff, or dredging activities. Kumi Analytics uses satellite imagery to map TSM concentrations across large coastal and inland water bodies.
V
Verra (VCS)
The organization that manages the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the world's most widely used voluntary greenhouse gas program. Verra establishes the rules and methodologies that carbon projects must follow to issue tradable carbon credits (VCUs).
W
WorldView
A series of commercial Earth observation satellites operated by Vantor (previously known as Maxar Technologies). WorldView satellites provide very high-resolution optical imagery (up to 30cm). Kumi Analytics utilizes WorldView data for precise project boundary delineation, individual tree crown detection, and high-fidelity validation of lower-resolution models.