Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 11
Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis
for Landscape Pattern Characterization
Xiaojun Yang, Bojie Fu and Liding Chen
Abstract Landscape pattern characterization aims to map, quantify, and interpret
landscape spatial patterns, and is therefore a fundamental pursuit in landscape
ecology. The advances in remote sensing and geographic information systems
(GIS) have greatly contributed to the development of quantitative methods for
landscape pattern characterization. This chapter will review the utilities of remote
sensing and GIS for the measurement, analysis, and interpretation of landscape
spatial patterns. While remote sensing allows a direct observation of landscape
patterns and processes at various scales, GIS provides a technical platform for data
integration and synthesis in support of landscape pattern analysis and modeling.
The chapter will begin with an overview on the research status identifying some
gaps when landscape ecologists utilize remote sensing and GIS techniques in their
research. Then, it will examine the utilities of remote sensing and landscape
metrics for landscape pattern mapping and quantification, which will be followed
by a discussion on GIS-based spatial analysis and modeling techniques for
examining patterns, relationships, and emerging trends and for simulation and
prediction. While the topics covered in this chapter span the entire spectrum in
landscape pattern characterization, our emphasis is not on a comprehensive review
but on some methodological issues highlighting caveats and cautions when using
remote sensing and geospatial techniques. We believe the issues identified here
can help landscape ecologists to better utilize remote sensing and GIS techniques
in their specific applications.
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