This work presents a new four-tier hierarchical change-point algorithm designed to detect land-cover change from satellite data. We tested the algorithm using Global Inventory Modelling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) data for eastern Africa. Using a unique sequence of four statistical change-point detection methods, we identified significant increases or decreases in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), estimated the approximate time of change, and characterized the likely forms of change (i.e. linear trend, abrupt mean and/or variability change, and hockey-stick shaped change).

In this study we investigate the potential of fraction images derived from a linear spectral mixture model to detect vegetation phenology in Amazonia, and evaluate their relationships with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation indices. Time series of MODIS 250-m data over three contrasting land cover types in the Amazon were used in conjunction with rainfall data, a land cover map and a forest inventory survey to support the interpretation of our findings.

The poor water condition in agricultural watersheds in Poland provides evidence of a major impact of this sector on water quality, especially with regard to nutrients. What is specific about Polish agriculture, especially in the Wielkopolska region, is a large area of arable land and a high concentration of point sources. The outflow from these sources is very changeable and depends strongly on weather conditions, in particular precipitation. Therefore, it is very difficult to measure the runoff from those sources.

The Scops Owl Otus scops (L., 1758) is a species of European concern, which suffered a noticeable decrease in distribution in the last decades, and changes in agricultural practices have been proposed as a major threat for this owl. We studied the habitat preference of the Scops Owl by assessing the habitat occupancy of 401 territories distributed in a large area in northwest Italy, with a special focus on 98 territories located in a high-density area (Monferrato).

Sub-pixel mapping is a technology to obtain the spatial distribution information of land cover within mixed pixels. In this letter, two kinds of edge-directed interpolation algorithms are proposed. These algorithms are applied to coarse spatial resolution images to obtain a high-resolution image with probability information. Then hard classification on a per sub-pixel basis is implemented to achieve sub-pixel mapping. Both methods are demonstrated with three synthetic images.

Land cover derived from remotely sensed products is an important input to a number of different global, regional and national scale applications including resource assessments and economic land use models. During the last decade three global land cover datasets have been created, i.e. the GLC-2000, MODIS and GlobCover, but comparison studies have shown that there are large spatial discrepancies between these three products. One of the reasons for these discrepancies is the lack of sufficient in-situ data for the development of these products.

Monitoring natural resources in Alaskan national parks is challenging because of their remoteness, limited accessibility, and high sampling costs. We describe an iterative, three-phased process for developing sampling designs based on our efforts to establish a vegetation monitoring program in southwest Alaska. In the first phase, we defined a sampling frame based on land ownership and specific vegetated habitats within the park boundaries and used Path Distance analysis tools to create a GIS layer that delineated portions of each park that could be feasibly accessed for ground sampling.

There is a long tradition of river monitoring using taxonomy-based metrics to assess environmental quality in Europe via benthic macroinvertebrate communities. A promising alternative is the use of their species life-history traits. Both methods (taxonomy-based and trait-based), however, have relied on the time-consuming identification of taxa. River biotopes, (i.e.

Estimates of relevant source area of pollen (RSAP) and relative pollen productivity (PPE) are critical parameters for quantitative reconstructions of past vegetation and land cover. This study provides estimates for PPE relative to Poaceae for ten taxa, characterizing the cultural landscape of south Estonia and the RSAP for 40 lakes with an average radius of approximately 100m (22–274m, average 101m) in the region. We evaluate the effects on those estimates of various combinations of factors, such as the analytical methods (i.e.

Wetlands cover large areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, their extent and distribution have not been accurately mapped. While wetland forests remain largely undisturbed, increasing threats by anthropogenic activities have been observed in areas with high population density per arable or exploitable land. The scarcity of terra firma forests in some territories of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has forced local communities to develop cropping methods that allow for cultivation in periodically flooded areas.

Environmental fragility models are important decision tools for policy makers as they help quantify environmental sensitivity and understand the relationship between human activities and environmental quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate three different environmental fragility models within the Brazilian rainforest region and to use the results to develop environmental zone classes. Two rural river basins located in Ibiuna, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, were studied.

The distribution of mosquito populations is spatially heterogeneous and influenced by factors acting at a wide range of scales. The aim of this study was to assess the role of environmental heterogeneity at the landscape level in shaping the composition of immature mosquito communities inhabiting surface water habitats. The Paraná Lower Delta (Argentina) is a temperate wetland that extends along a 1º north–south gradient and presents high landscape heterogeneity, due to the combined action of geomorphology, hydrology and human intervention.