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Remote Sensing for Monitoring
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Dr. Andrea Woodward, USGS, FRESC, OFS
Many national parks cover large areas, much of which is difficult and expensive to access. In a comprehensive monitoring program it is desirable to know at least something about all parts of the park, and some monitoring questions are best considered from a landscape perspective. Remote sensing tools offer the possibility of comprehensive, landscape-scale monitoring for large national parks. These tools vary in resolution, detection capabilities, and technological complexity (e.g., aerial photographs, lidar, multi- and hyperspectral satellite images). The capabilities and resolution of remote sensing instruments are increasing with time, but these tools are often expensive and insufficiently effective in mountainous terrain and cloudy environments. Consequently it is necessary to assess their potential to answer appropriate questions in a given environment at an affordable cost.
This project is identifying potential effective remote sensing tools to monitor parks in the North Coast and Cascades Network. This involves evaluating needs, capabilities, and costs with a dialog among park personnel and remote sensing experts. Promising tools will be evaluated by testing their effectiveness in NCCN parks, potentially leading to protocol development.
We have held a workshop of park resource management staff members and remote sensing experts to evaluate remote sensing tools in relation to park needs and financial resources. A summary of this workshop is currently being written and will be posted here.
Woodward, A., S. Acker, and R. Hoffman. 2003. Use of Remote Sensing for Long-term Ecological Monitoring in the North Coast and Cascades Network: Summary of a Workshop
Thanks to the 30 participants and presenters at the remote sensing workshop, especially the experts who took the time and shared their knowledge. Special thanks to Roger Hoffman and Ed Schreiner for their presentations, and to Roger Hoffman and Steve Acker for their help in setting up the workshop.
Andrea Woodward
Phone: 206-526-6282 x332
E-mail: andrea_woodward@usgs.gov
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