ANGEL-GRAPHIC

The Brazilian environment agency has said that the increased use of satellite data and new tactics to deter loggers have led to the drop in deforestation of the Amazon. They also said that the drop in illegal logging of trees was due to the increased use of satellite data to spot the felling of trees and new tactics to deter loggers, including ending their ability to hide under cloud cover. Before the arrival of satellite data they said they were looking blindly, but in 2010, all 244 actions were based on geo-processed data. Even though the work force of the environment agency, Ibama , remains understaffed the satellite data was making the work of officers more effective.
The ranchers can no longer hide under clouds either. Until recently, only visible light satellite images were taken and the ranchers knew Ibama was much less active on the ground during the cloudy season. Now, radar surveillance means the felling of trees can be spotted from space, rain or shine, day or night.