Mapping of mangrove forest tree density using SENTINEL 2A satelit image in remained natural mangrove forest of Sumatra eastern coastal

The mangrove ecosystem in Forest Managemen Unit - VII (FMU) Sumatera Utara is a natural forest. FMU has not managed and utilizes mangrove forests optimally. It can open up opportunities for illegal loggers and trigger damage to these natural ecosystems. This condition requires prevention and mitigation so that severe damage to mangrove forests does not occur. This study aims to determine the relationship between vegetation index and mangrove density in the field and map the mangrove density distribution based on the image vegetation index value. The density distribution mapping was carried out by compiling a vegetation density estimator model NDVI, GNDVI, and TVI as independent variables. Correlation test and regression analysis between the vegetation index value (NDVI, GNDVI, and TVI) to the number of trees per unit area. The distribution model for the density of mangrove stands was chosen based on the coefficient of determination (R²). The study resulted from NDVI selected as the vegetation index used to map the distribution of mangrove density with a Pearson correlation coefficient (R) of 0.738. The selected model is Y = 2.48e^2.8667x, which is an exponential equation with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 61.3%. Based on this model, the distribution of mangrove density has the lowest density reaching 400, and the highest density is 2,200 trees per hectare