Interpretation of the changes in Forest Cover and Land Use driven by the evolution of Geotechnologies in the Republic of Panama (Period 1947-2021)

The evolution of land use and land cover data has been a topic of interest for decades in decision-making and generation of national policies. Forest cover reports show estimates ranging between $5,245,000\mathrm{ha}(70\%$) for the year 1947 and ($68\%$) for the year 2021. The article shows the way in which the interpretation and analysis of aerial photographs and satellite images have been and They are essential data to identify and quantify vegetation cover through the evaluation of methodologies. In the 1940 s and 1970 s, forest coverage was obtained with aerial photographs and specialist knowledge of the territory. In the 1980 s, the first technological advance occurred, which began the era of medium-resolution satellite images, using visual interpretation techniques.. For the 90 s, these same images were used, but digital and automated processing was used to detect the spectral classes. In 2012, another technological leap was made, as a result of the use of images with higher spatial resolution, which allows for information on Forest Cover and Land Use, represented in 32 classes. In 2019, with a Panamanian professional specialized in satellite data processing, the Forest and Other Wooded Lands map was created, and by 2021 the use of high-resolution satellite image platforms is included as complementary data and data is generated. of Forest Cover and Land Use with 33 categories and the national capacity to produce this information every 5 years. The difference in the results derived from various data sources is evident, due to technological advances and the level of accessibility and availability of information.