Adaptation of innovative airborne remote sensing methods for the mapping and assessment of the status of habitats of EU importance
Influenced by human actions, more and more species are no longer able to satisfy their basic needs, therefore, their chances to survive decrease. In order to preserve biological diversity for future generation, a unified and targeted action is required. For this reason, in 1992 the European Community (European Union) adopted the Habitats Directive 92/43/ECC. With regard to the implementation of Habitats Directive, the most urgent task for Latvia is to carry out the country-wide mapping and assessment of the natural habitats of EU importance, thus laying the foundation for their conservation and proper management in the future.
The Aims
- To adapt and test the airborne remote sensing data analysis solutions for the mapping of the protected habitats of EU importance within and beyond the specially protected areas in Latvia.
- To evaluate the possibilities and limitations of the airborne remote sensing data for the assessment of the conservation status of EU habitats, and to prepare guidelines for the collection and analysis of remote sensing data for the mapping and monitoring of the protected habitats of EU importance.
Results
IES developed an applied methodology for the mapping and assessment of the protected habitats of EU importance. To identify and assess vegetation structures of various protected habitats of EU importance, the data were collected in two ways – by traditional survey methods in the field and by using the advanced airborne remote sensing technologies – a high resolution RGB camera, a LiDAR laser scanner and hyperspectral sensor technologies. On the basis of the data analysis, the guidelines for the mapping and assessment of the protected habitats of EU importance will be prepared.
Spectral image of Randu grasslands and Laguna lake
2.image. Randu grasslands and Laguna lake. Vegetation index (NDVI) shows chlorophyll concentration in plants.
Project duration: 09.04.2014 – 30.12.2014.
ject Manager: Gats Eriņš
Project coordinatior: Rūta Abaja, ruta.abaja@videsinstituts.lv, Mob.tel. +371 27818676
Project is financed by: Latvian Environment Protection Fund Administration
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