Remote Sensing for Biodiversity

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
180 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Remote sensing (RS)—taking images or other measurements of Earth from above—provides a unique perspective on what is happening on the Earth and thus plays a special role in biodiversity and conservation applications. The periodic repeat coverage of satellite-based RS is particularly useful for monitoring change and so is essential for understanding trends, and also provides key input into assessments, international agreements, and conservation management. Historically, RS data have often been expensive and hard to use, but changes over the last decade have resulted in massive amounts of global data being available at no cost, as well as significant (if not yet complete) simplification of access and use. This chapter provides a baseline set of information about using RS for conservation applications in three realms: terrestrial, marine, and freshwater. After a brief overview of the mechanics of RS and how it can be applied, terrestrial systems are discussed, focusing first on ecosystems and then moving on to species and genes. Marine systems are discussed next in the context of habitat extent and condition and including key marine-specific challenges. This is followed by discussion of the special considerations of freshwater habitats such as rivers, focusing on freshwater ecosystems, species, and ecosystem services.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe GEO Handbook on Biodiversity Observation Networks
Place of PublicationSwitzerland
PublisherSpringer International Publishing Switzerland
Pages187-210
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-27288-7
ISBN (Print)978-3-319-27286-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Nov 2016

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Remote Sensing for Biodiversity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this