Assessment of terrestrial ecosystem function and service by remote sensing
2015
Suzuki, R. (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (Japan). Department of Environmental Geochemical Cycle Research)
Remote sensing is an effective means of observing the spatio-temporal changes in ecosystems in the service of assessing the functions and services of such systems. Remote sensing consists of two components: the sensor and the platform. Spectral radiometers, microwave synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and laser scanners are often used to remotely sense ecosystems, whereas satellites and aircraft often serve as the platforms. Methodologies for remote-sensing ecosystem functions and services are categorized into three groups: direct mapping of individuals or communities, ecosystem mapping, and mapping of ecosystem functions and services using surrogates. In direct mapping, spatially high-resolution remote sensing, such as aircraft remote sensing, is required to accurately identify individuals. Recently, the chemical traits of individual trees in a tropical forest were delineated using an airborne hyperspectral camera and laser scanner. In terms of remote-sensing whole ecosystems, studies documenting tropical forest deforestation due to plantation development have used satellite-based optical sensors and SAR. The leaf area index and above-ground biomass of forests, derived from optical sensors and SAR, respectively, are good surrogates for the primary productivity and carbon stock of vegetation, respectively.
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