121
© Springer International Publishing AG 2017
R. Díaz-Delgado et al. (eds.), The Roles of Remote Sensing in Nature Conservation,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-64332-8_7
Integrated Monitoring for Biodiversity Using
Remote Sensing: From Local to Regional –
A Case Study from Norfolk
Katie Medcalf, Jacqueline Parker, Gemma Bell, Paul Robinson, Samuel Neal,
Martin Horlock, and Johanna Breyer
Abstract The integration of ecological knowledge into remote sensing classification schemes can support operational biodiversity conservation work. Focusing on
the county of Norfolk in the UK, this chapter describes a Defra-JNCC funded project (Making Earth Observation Work for UK Biodiversity) that aimed to develop
cost effective tools and techniques for mapping semi-natural habitats, thereby supporting the work of the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service. To meet the
breadth of needs of habitat practitioners in the county, maps were produced across
scales ranging from a county-level map to those providing more detail, as required
by site managers. The finer scale maps also provided information on habitat condition. This approach to mapping complements other habitat surveillance methods
and can form part of an ecological mapping and monitoring toolbox of techniques.
Each of the maps was generated using Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA)
techniques that incorporated ecological knowledge into a rule-based classification.
As input, we used images from earth observation platforms of varying spatial resolution, spectral range and seasonal frequency. Ecological principles and local
knowledge guided the classifications. We used available ground truth data to perform targeted validation and to guide revisions to the maps. The continual enhancement and updating of the maps results in a ‘living map’ that benefits from the
learning process.
The maps have subsequently been used by local partners on a diverse range
of projects, from pollution and sediment modelling to supporting analysis of bat
distribution. The regional maps are being further developed and enhanced by ecologists on the ground to record the presence and ecological status of habitats in the
county. This chapter also explores how this continual enhancement and updating
K. Medcalf (*) • J. Parker • G. Bell • J. Breyer
Environment Systems Ltd, Aberystwyth, UK
e-mail: katie.medcalf@envsys.co.uk
P. Robinson
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Peterborough, UK
S. Neal • M. Horlock
Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service, Norwich, UK
© Springer International Publishing AG 2017
R. Díaz-Delgado et al. (eds.), The Roles of Remote Sensing in Nature Conservation,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-64332-8_7
Integrated Monitoring for Biodiversity Using
Remote Sensing: From Local to Regional –
A Case Study from Norfolk
Katie Medcalf, Jacqueline Parker, Gemma Bell, Paul Robinson, Samuel Neal,
Martin Horlock, and Johanna Breyer
Abstract The integration of ecological knowledge into remote sensing classification schemes can support operational biodiversity conservation work. Focusing on
the county of Norfolk in the UK, this chapter describes a Defra-JNCC funded project (Making Earth Observation Work for UK Biodiversity) that aimed to develop
cost effective tools and techniques for mapping semi-natural habitats, thereby supporting the work of the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service. To meet the
breadth of needs of habitat practitioners in the county, maps were produced across
scales ranging from a county-level map to those providing more detail, as required
by site managers. The finer scale maps also provided information on habitat condition. This approach to mapping complements other habitat surveillance methods
and can form part of an ecological mapping and monitoring toolbox of techniques.
Each of the maps was generated using Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA)
techniques that incorporated ecological knowledge into a rule-based classification.
As input, we used images from earth observation platforms of varying spatial resolution, spectral range and seasonal frequency. Ecological principles and local
knowledge guided the classifications. We used available ground truth data to perform targeted validation and to guide revisions to the maps. The continual enhancement and updating of the maps results in a ‘living map’ that benefits from the
learning process.
The maps have subsequently been used by local partners on a diverse range
of projects, from pollution and sediment modelling to supporting analysis of bat
distribution. The regional maps are being further developed and enhanced by ecologists on the ground to record the presence and ecological status of habitats in the
county. This chapter also explores how this continual enhancement and updating
K. Medcalf (*) • J. Parker • G. Bell • J. Breyer
Environment Systems Ltd, Aberystwyth, UK
e-mail: katie.medcalf@envsys.co.uk
P. Robinson
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Peterborough, UK
S. Neal • M. Horlock
Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service, Norwich, UK