From Space to Eye Lens: Monitoring protected sites with Earth Observation: Combining field data with CASI and Sentinel imagery

Higginbottom, Thomas, Field, C, Keane, R, Wright, A, Jones, L, Symeonakis, Ilias and Caporn, Simon (2018) From Space to Eye Lens: Monitoring protected sites with Earth Observation: Combining field data with CASI and Sentinel imagery. UNSPECIFIED. Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This report details work undertaken, led by Manchester Metropolitan University in collaboration with Natural England. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential of Earth observation (EO) data to contribute towards the monitoring of protected sites at the landscape scale, to understand resilience, and to map natural capital assets. This was achieved through the integration of field vegetation survey data with Sentinel-2 and CASI imagery to map ecosystem attributes, particularly ecological gradients and species and plant communities. Two contrasting areas in the north-west of England were used as case studies: Ainsdale National Nature Reserve (NNR) sand dunes and the Forest of Bowland blanket bog. Based on the outcomes of this research, a number of recommendations for future study and implementation have been outlined.