collection of acoustic data across a range of water depths, from shallow (5–20 m)
to deep ([100 m). Spatial resolution for this technology typically ranges from
fine (1–10 m) to moderate (20–50 m) scale. Acoustic techniques are best suited
for assessing water depth, seafloor topography, geomorphic zones (with variable
roughness), general habitat categories (e.g., distinguishing biological cover
types, as well as hard- versus soft-bottom habitats), water velocity, and fish
presence/distribution. As with other technologies, advances in this field are
currently extending the level of detail and types of information that can be
retrieved from acoustic remote sensing.
• Section IV. Thermal and Radar Remote Sensing.
Chapters 11–13 introduce two technologies that commonly center on measuring
the environment surrounding coral reef ecosystems. Thermal remote sensing is
an example of passive optical remote sensing, which focuses on measuring
emitted heat, and hence temperature of the water surface. Thermal remote
sensing is predominantly a satellite-based technology that typically operates in
coarse ([1 km) scale spatial resolutions. Radio detection and ranging (Radar)
remote sensing is an active sensing technology, which uses radio waves to
measure the range, altitude, direction, and speed of sea surface characteristics
(i.e., waves and currents). Radar remote sensing includes both ground-based
systems and satellite platforms, ranging from moderate (25–50 m) to coarse
([1 km) scale spatial resolution. Both thermal and radar technologies provide
valuable information on processes affecting coral reefs.
• Section V. Effective Use of Remote Sensing in Science and Management.
Chapters 14–15 explain and demonstrate the concepts of validation and accuracy assessment of image-based map products, as well as how to measure these
parameters and effectively utilize them in science and management applications.
The need to understand the accuracy and reliability of remote sensing products
is highlighted as a fundamental component of effective decision-making using
this data. Discussion in these chapters focuses on recognizing the different
strengths and weaknesses of the various remote sensing techniques and illustrating which techniques are best suited for different specific goals. Additional
discussion in this section includes the importance of developing an understanding between the needs and expectations of those using remote sensing
image products and those producing products.
The following tables represent the book outline in a condensed format, providing
a quick-look roadmap to the typical capabilities that characterize each technology.
Note that this is a summary only, and thus represents a simplified view of the
different aspects of coral reef remote sensing.
Preface
ix
to deep ([100 m). Spatial resolution for this technology typically ranges from
fine (1–10 m) to moderate (20–50 m) scale. Acoustic techniques are best suited
for assessing water depth, seafloor topography, geomorphic zones (with variable
roughness), general habitat categories (e.g., distinguishing biological cover
types, as well as hard- versus soft-bottom habitats), water velocity, and fish
presence/distribution. As with other technologies, advances in this field are
currently extending the level of detail and types of information that can be
retrieved from acoustic remote sensing.
• Section IV. Thermal and Radar Remote Sensing.
Chapters 11–13 introduce two technologies that commonly center on measuring
the environment surrounding coral reef ecosystems. Thermal remote sensing is
an example of passive optical remote sensing, which focuses on measuring
emitted heat, and hence temperature of the water surface. Thermal remote
sensing is predominantly a satellite-based technology that typically operates in
coarse ([1 km) scale spatial resolutions. Radio detection and ranging (Radar)
remote sensing is an active sensing technology, which uses radio waves to
measure the range, altitude, direction, and speed of sea surface characteristics
(i.e., waves and currents). Radar remote sensing includes both ground-based
systems and satellite platforms, ranging from moderate (25–50 m) to coarse
([1 km) scale spatial resolution. Both thermal and radar technologies provide
valuable information on processes affecting coral reefs.
• Section V. Effective Use of Remote Sensing in Science and Management.
Chapters 14–15 explain and demonstrate the concepts of validation and accuracy assessment of image-based map products, as well as how to measure these
parameters and effectively utilize them in science and management applications.
The need to understand the accuracy and reliability of remote sensing products
is highlighted as a fundamental component of effective decision-making using
this data. Discussion in these chapters focuses on recognizing the different
strengths and weaknesses of the various remote sensing techniques and illustrating which techniques are best suited for different specific goals. Additional
discussion in this section includes the importance of developing an understanding between the needs and expectations of those using remote sensing
image products and those producing products.
The following tables represent the book outline in a condensed format, providing
a quick-look roadmap to the typical capabilities that characterize each technology.
Note that this is a summary only, and thus represents a simplified view of the
different aspects of coral reef remote sensing.
Preface
ix