Landscape analysis: pattern, structure & transition
Context
The two-dimensional pattern and 3-dimensional structure of a landscape are key factors determining ecological process and function across that landscape.
* A 3-D rendering of a landscape with integrated airborne multi-spectral and laser scanner data
Also of importance are the nature of boundaries between habitats, specifically whether they are sharp or show a gradation (i.e. an ecotone). Ecotones are important because they can help maintain species flows between neighbouring habitats, they can influence the flux of materials and energy in the landscape, and they can be early indicators of ecological response to environmental change.
The modelling of landscape pattern, structure and transition can thus be important in informing environmental management, understanding the effects of environmental change, and in monitoring the effects of environmental policy.
* Saltmarsh development at a management realignment site in the Wash, as identified in time series airborne multi-spectral data
Approach
Multi-spectral reflectance data captured by sensors on board aircraft can be used to map land-cover and derive 2-dimensional landscape metrics on spatial pattern. Also, by fuzzy classification techniques such data can also be used to characterise ecotone transitions between habitats.
* The alpine tree-line ecotone, as mapped by a fuzzy approach using satellite multi-spectral data
Airborne laser scanning provides point-sample elevation data, which enables the automated generation of Digital Elevation Models that can provide information on the morphological features of terrain, vegetation and buildings.
The integration of airborne multi-spectral and laser scanner data enables 3-dimensional landscape visualisation and the mapping of land-cover in a terrain context.
Publications
Hill, R.A., Granica, K., Smith, G.M. & Schardt, M. (2007) Representation of an alpine treeline ecotone in SPOT HRG data. Remote Sensing of Environment, 110, 458-467.
Patenaude, G., Milne, R., Van Oijen, M., Rowland, C.S, & Hill, R.A. Integrating remote sensing datasets into ecological modelling: a Bayesian approach. International Journal of Remote Sensing, in press.
Smith, G.M., Thomson, A.G., Wilson, A.K., Hill, R.A. & Purcell, P.W. (2007) Airborne remote sensing for monitoring the impact of coastal zone management. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 28, 1433-1435.
Hill, R.A. & Veitch, N. (2002) Landscape visualisation: rendering a virtual reality simulation from airborne laser altimetry and multi-spectral scanning data. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 23, 3307-3309.
Hill, R.A., Smith, G.M., Fuller, R.M., & Veitch, N. (2002) Landscape modelling using integrated airborne multi-spectral and elevation data. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 23, 2327-2334.
Contact email address
Dr Ross Hill
| School of Applied Sciences | |
| Bournemouth University Christchurch House Talbot Campus Poole Dorset BH12 5BB UK |
Email: consci@bournemouth.ac.uk Website: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cceec/ Tel: +44 (0) 1202 965178 Fax: +44 (0) 1202 965530 |
