Toward a High Spatial Resolution Aerial Monitoring Network for Nature Conservation—How Can Remote Sensing Help Protect Natural Areas?

Gábor Bakó, Zsolt Molnár, Lilla Bakk, Ferenc Horváth, Luca Fehér, Örs Ábrám, Edina Morvai, Csaba Biro, Gergely Pápay, Attila Fűrész, Károly Penksza, Diána Pácsonyi, Krisztina Demény, Erika Juhász, Dorottya Dékány, Lili Csernyava, Gábor Illés and András Molnár
Additional contact information
Gábor Bakó: Interspect Ltd., H-2314 Halásztelek, Hungary
Zsolt Molnár: Interspect Ltd., H-2314 Halásztelek, Hungary
Lilla Bakk: Interspect Ltd., H-2314 Halásztelek, Hungary
Ferenc Horváth: Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, H-2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
Luca Fehér: Interspect Ltd., H-2314 Halásztelek, Hungary
Örs Ábrám: Moving Sand Nature Conservation Association, H-6070 Izsák, Hungary
Edina Morvai: Kiskunság National Park Directorate, H-6000 Kecskemét, Hungary
Csaba Biro: Kiskunság National Park Directorate, H-6000 Kecskemét, Hungary
Gergely Pápay: Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
Attila Fűrész: Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
Károly Penksza: Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
Diána Pácsonyi: Interspect Ltd., H-2314 Halásztelek, Hungary
Krisztina Demény: Sándor Rejtő Faculty of Light Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Óbuda University, H-1034 Budapest, Hungary
Erika Juhász: Department of Plant Systematics, Ecology and Theoretical Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. stny. 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
Dorottya Dékány: Interspect Ltd., H-2314 Halásztelek, Hungary
Lili Csernyava: Interspect Ltd., H-2314 Halásztelek, Hungary
Gábor Illés: National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
András Molnár: John von Neumann Faculty of Informatics, Óbuda University, H-1034 Budapest, Hungary

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-27

Abstract: Aerial surveys have always significantly contributed to the accurate mapping of certain geographical phenomena. Remote sensing opened up new perspectives in nature monitoring with state-of-the-art technical solutions using modern onboard recording equipment. We developed the technical background and the methodology that supports detailed and cost-effective monitoring of a network of natural areas, thereby detecting temporal changes in the spatial pattern of land cover, species, biodiversity, and other natural features. In this article, we share our experiences of the technical background, geometric accuracy and results of comparisons with selected Copernicus Land Monitoring products and an Ecosystem Map based on the testing of our methodology at 25 sites in Hungary. We combined a high-spatial-resolution aerial remote sensing service with field studies to support an efficient nature conservation monitoring network at 25 permanent sites. By analyzing annually (or more frequently) orthophotos taken with a range of 0.5–5 cm spatial resolution and 3D surface models of aerial surveys, it is possible to map the upper canopy of vegetation species. Furthermore, it allows us to accurately follow the changes in the dynamics at the forest edge and upper canopy, or the changes in species’ dominance in meadows. Additionally, spatial data obtained from aerial surveys and field studies can expand the knowledge base of the High-Resolution Aerial Monitoring Network (HRAMN) and support conservation and restoration management. A well-conducted high-resolution survey can reveal the impacts of land interventions and habitat regeneration. By building the HRAMN network, nature conservation could have an up-to-date database that could prompt legal processes, establish protection designation procedures and make environmental habitat management more cost-effective. Landscape protection could also utilize the services of HRAMN in planning and risk reduction interventions through more reliable inputs to environmental models.

Keywords: nature conservation; habitat mapping; monitoring; remote sensing; aerial survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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