These results are based on a 3D carbon map set up using data collected by NASA's experimental LVIS airbone laser scanning of a forested area in Costa Rica.  This 3D system can give data related to the vertical dimension of forest (such as layering and canopy height).  This allows the provision of more accurate information than that previously estimated using traditional satellite methods of measuring forest carbon.

This finding could have repercussions for forest protection, carbon accounting and carbon trading, since in the carbon market a value is assigned to forests according to their carbon content.  According to the results of this study, the value of the world´s forests would currently be underestimated by $800 billion.

More information about this study can be found at the Carbomap website:

http://carbomap.wordpress.com/2014/03/11/value-of-worlds-forest-carbon-underestimated-by-more-than-20/