Vegetation Mapping

Understanding and estimating vegetation mass and productivity in recent years has become increasingly important, especially with advancements in environmental economic valuation.

Terra’s data is used in a range of activities relating to vegetation mapping including:

• Urban Planning
• Forestry
• Corridor Assessment
• Environmental Monitoring

Urban planners have realized the vital role vegetation plays in reducing ambient temperature, moisture and pollutant capture, energy use and subsequent ground level ozone reduction. Vegetation mapping through the use of advanced remote sensing technology enables researchers to quantify and qualify the amount and health of vegetation within urban centers. Growth models, climate change scenarios and detailed valuation studies can be carried out, allowing for accurate day-to day management and future planning. Terra’s LiDAR and hyperspectral data have been used successfully to identify individual trees that were infected with Emerald Ash Borer Beetles. This study was a feature story in the PE&RS magazine in 2009