Peatlands may be monitored from space!

ScienceDaily (Jan. 26, 2010)

A team of UK scientists led by Dr. Karen Anderson (University of Exeter) has developed a new technique for monitoring the condition of peatlands. The team used a combination of images captured from Earth and space to measure spatial patterning in peatland surfaces as an indicator of their condition. This new method uses a novel coupled approach, using satellite images from space and airborne laser scanning data, and has resulted in improved peatland mapping products. For full details click here.

Dr. Anderson, who led the study, noted,

“This work is the first to demonstrate that peatland structures, which are linked to hydrological status and condition, can be measured using remote sensing techniques. Our approach enabled us to draw out the differences in surface pattern across the peatland and resulted in an improved mapping product which is useful for scientists, peatland managers, statutory conservation agencies, and for policy makers”

 CCSN has championed the idea of using remote sensing techniques such as LiDAR for  monitoring habitats and has included a section on these techniques in its first annual report.