Calculate Biomass using Model Builder in Arcmap

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of calculating biomass using Model Builder in ArcGIS. Understanding biomass calculation is crucial for environmental studies, agriculture, and forestry management. This step-by-step guide will help you utilize ArcGIS tools effectively to derive biomass estimates from your data.

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

• Collect Required Data: Gather relevant datasets such as shapefiles and raster data which include vegetation indices like NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index).
• Load Data into ArcGIS: Open ArcMap and load your shapefile and raster data. Ensure that all layers are correctly projected to the same coordinate system for compatibility.

Step 2: Open Model Builder

• Access Model Builder: In ArcMap, navigate to the 'Geoprocessing' menu and select 'Model Builder'.
• Create a New Model: Click on the 'New Model' icon to start creating your biomass calculation model.

Step 3: Add Data and Tools to the Model

• Insert Raster Data: Drag your NDVI raster layer into the Model Builder workspace.
• Add Tools: Use the search bar to find and add the necessary tools for your analysis, such as:
  • Raster Calculator
  • Extract by Mask
• Connect Tools: Connect the tools logically by clicking and dragging from one tool to another to define the workflow.

Step 4: Calculate NDVI Values

• Use Raster Calculator: Double-click the Raster Calculator tool to open its dialog. Input the NDVI formula:

  NDVI = (NIR - RED) / (NIR + RED)
  

  Replace NIR and RED with the respective bands from your raster data.

Step 5: Extract Biomass Data

• Configure Extract by Mask: Use the Extract by Mask tool to isolate biomass data. Set your parameters:
  • Input Raster: The NDVI calculated layer.
  • Mask: Your shapefile or area of interest.
• Run the Tool: Click 'OK' to execute and extract the biomass data for your study area.

Step 6: Export Results

• Export the Output: Right-click on the output layer in the Table of Contents, select 'Data', then 'Export Data'. Choose the format and location for your results.
• Save Your Model: Don’t forget to save your Model Builder project for future use.

Conclusion

You have now successfully calculated biomass using Model Builder in ArcGIS. This method allows for efficient processing of spatial data and can be applied in various environmental and agricultural analyses. As a next step, consider exploring additional functionalities of Model Builder or integrating other datasets to enhance your analyses.