Evaluating endemic ecosystem with the aid of optical remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) techniques
Edwards, Michael A., Margaret Winslow and Reginald Blake
The availability of satellite image archives ─ especially those on platforms with fine temporal resolution ─ has facilitated change detection within aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. With increased anthropogenic activities, tremendous pressures have been placed on these ecosystems. Within this study, we used a series of remote sensing and land classification data in deriving various simulated and transformed data in assessing and evaluating the different eco-regions within the study area. As such, a series of descriptive analysis was performed on the transformed and simulated data in an attempt to understand, but more importantly, to evaluate and show the causality between the soil moisture regime, and the vegetative distribution within endemic ecosystems such as the Long Island Central Pine Barrens (LICPB) study region are attainable. The results obtained showed where the changing soil moisture regime within this particular ecosystem affects the region overall health. Soil moisture calculations which were derived from standard volumetric applications, was further substantiated by a series of indices such as the Moisture Stress Index (MSI) and the Wetness Index. The volumetric surface soil moisture (θv (0-5cm)) values obtained, also depicted where there were significant correlation between the various textural classes, terrestrial resources, wetlands, and aquatic resources to be found within the LICPB. The results further indicated where the upper soil moisture regime within the LICPB was temporally and spatially diverse, but demonstrated marked differences between the various eco-regions within the study area itself. The data set, coupled with various graphical applications, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Techniques, further indicated a variance in vegetative indices, but more importantly, justified future concerns for the severely stressed LICPB ecosystem.
Event: 6th FIG Regional Conference 2007 : Strategic Integration of Surveying Services
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