Ecosystem Analysis

Wetlands Characterization

Objective
To identify wetlands in an area under pressure of development. If indicator species Cypress and Tupelo can be identified, potential wetland areas, subject to strict regulations, can be more easily located before expensive problems arise after development begins.

Challenges
· Land-cover classifiers can not typically discriminate between different tree species
· On-the-ground survey methods are prohibitively expensive and time consuming
· High-resolution aerial photography not viable due to the small scale required to identify tree species
· Cypress and Tupelo are often found in very complex forest environments
· Identification using airborne or satellite imagery almost impossible

Approach
IMAGINE Subpixel Classifier can be used to identify stands of wetland tree species in what are very complex, mixed forest environments.

Solution and Results
IMAGINE Subpixel Classifier is able to identify Cypress and Tupelo in this forest environment. Researchers can use this information to map wetland areas quickly and accurately. A detailed field verification study revealed accuracies near 90% for both species.