Faezeh Khalifeh Soltanian

Faezeh Khalifeh Soltanian


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 January 2026 in Remote Sensing
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Journal Article
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FSFaezeh Khalifeh Soltanian
Faezeh Khalifeh Soltanian
LTLuiz Henrique Terezan
Luiz Henrique Terezan
CCColin E. Chisholm
Colin E. Chisholm
PDPAMELA S.R. DYKSTRA
PAMELA S.R. DYKSTRA
WMWilliam H. MacKenzie
William H. MacKenzie
CEChe Elkin
Che Elkin
Mapping forest growth potential across varying environments is challenging, especially when field measurements are limited. In this study, we integrated Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) terrain derivatives and Sentinel-2 spectral indices to model Site Index (SI), using forest plantations, at 10-m spatial resolution across three ecologically distinct regions in British Columbia (Aleza Lake, Deception, and Eagle Hills). Random Forest regression models were calibrated using field-measured SI and a multistep variable-selection procedure that included Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) screening followed by model-based variable importance assessment. Model performance was evaluated using repeated 10-fold cross-validation. The combined ALS–Sentinel-2 models substantially outperformed single-source models, yielding cross-validated R2 values of 0.63, 0.44, and 0.56 for Aleza Lake, Deception, and Eagle Hills, respectively, compared with R2 values of 0.40, 0.40, and 0.46 for ALS-only models. Key predictors consistently included terrain metrics, such as the Topographic Position Index (TPI) and the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), along with satellite-derived chlorophyll-sensitive indices including S2REP (Sentinel-2 red-edge position), MTCI (MERIS terrestrial chlorophyll), and GNDVI (Greenness Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). A general model using predictors common to all regions performed comparably (R2 = 0.63, 0.41, 0.52), demonstrating the transferability and operational potential of the approach. These findings demonstrate that integrating ALS-derived terrain metrics with Sentinel-2 spectral indices provides a robust, age-independent framework for capturing spatial variability in forest productivity across landscapes. This multi-sensor fusion approach enhances traditional SI methods and single-sensor models, providing a scalable and operational tool for forest management and long-term planning in changing environmental conditions.