Effects of outliers on remote sensing‐assisted forest biomass estimation: A case study from the United States national forest inventory

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(7), P. 1587 - 1602

Published: March 1, 2023

Abstract Large‐scale ecological sampling networks, such as national forest inventories (NFIs), collect in situ data to support biodiversity monitoring, management and planning, greenhouse gas reporting. Data harmonization aims link auxiliary remotely sensed field‐collected expand beyond field plots, but outliers that arise harmonization—questionable observations because their values differ substantially from the rest—are rarely addressed. In this paper, we review sources of commonly occurring outliers, including random chance (statistical outliers), definitions protocols set by temporal spatial mismatch between data. We illustrate different types effects they have on estimates above‐ground biomass population parameters using a case study 292 NFI plots paired with airborne laser scanning (ALS) Sentinel‐2 Sawyer County, Wisconsin, United States. Depending criteria used identify (sampling year, plot location error, nonresponse, presence zeros model residuals), many 53 Forest Inventory Analysis (18%) were identified potential single criterion 111 (38%) if all used. Inclusion or removal led substantial differences mean standard error estimate per unit area. The simple expansion estimator, which does not rely ALS other data, was more sensitive than model‐assisted approaches incorporated Including predictors showed minimal increases precision our relative models alone. Outliers causes can be pervasive workflows. Our serve note caution researchers practitioners inclusion unintended consequences parameter estimates. When inform large‐scale mapping, carbon markets, reporting environmental policy, it is necessary ensure proper use geospatial harmonization.

Language: Английский

---

Remote Sensing and GIS in Natural Resource Management: Comparing Tools and Emphasizing the Importance of In-Situ Data

Remote Sensing, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(22), P. 4161 - 4161

Published: Nov. 8, 2024

Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GISs) provide significant opportunities for monitoring managing natural resources across various temporal, spectral, spatial resolutions. There is a critical need resource managers to understand the expanding capabilities of image sources, analysis techniques, in situ validation methods. This article reviews key tools management, highlighting their unique strengths diverse applications such as agriculture, forestry, water resources, soil hazard monitoring. Google Earth Engine (GEE), cloud-based platform introduced 2010, stands out its vast geospatial data catalog scalability, making it ideal global-scale algorithm development. ENVI, known advanced multi- hyperspectral processing, excels vegetation monitoring, environmental analysis, feature extraction. ERDAS IMAGINE specializes radar LiDAR offering robust classification terrain capabilities. Global Mapper recognized versatility, supporting over 300 formats excelling 3D visualization point cloud especially UAV applications. eCognition leverages object-based (OBIA) enhance accuracy by grouping pixels into meaningful objects, effective urban planning. Lastly, QGIS integrates these remote with powerful functions, decision-making sustainable management. Together, when paired comprehensive solutions analyzing scales.

Language: Английский

---

Assessment and improvement of GEDI canopy height estimation in tropical and temperate forests

Science of Remote Sensing, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 100221 - 100221

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Scaling from microsite to landscape to resolve litter decomposition dynamics in globally extensive drylands

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 26, 2025

Abstract Decomposition is the transformation of dead organic matter into its inorganic constituents. In most biomes, decomposition rates can be accurately predicted with simple mathematical models, but these models have long under‐predicted in globally extensive drylands. We posit that exposed surface conditions characteristic drylands make litter uniquely subject to microsite‐specific environmental controls and spatially variable microbial communities. As such, dryland ecosystems—which are characterized by extremes temporal heterogeneity climate spatial vegetation cover corresponding microclimate variability—is a prime example macrosystems process addressed merging field data new predictive operating across hierarchical continuum scales resolutions. A approach offers promise reconcile model‐measurement discrepancies integrating observations experiments multiple scales, from microsites (e.g. shrub sub‐canopy or intercanopy) regions 100s km 2 study site complex topography, precipitation temperature) ultimately continental perspective North American drylands). Recent developments technology availability position scientific community integrate laboratory, field, modelling remote sensing approaches range capture spatiotemporal distribution needed predict decay dynamics at micro‐to‐macroscale. This multi‐scale promises path forward resolving longstanding disconnect between measured modelled processes decomposition. Dryland presents an excellent case for temporally biogeochemical through hierarchical, multidisciplinary approach. focus on decomposition, we outline shows great potential other wide ecosystems. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

---

Spatial and temporal sampling strategy connecting NEON Terrestrial Observation System protocols

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(3)

Published: March 1, 2023

Abstract The National Ecological Observatory Network Terrestrial Observation System (NEON TOS) produces open‐access data products that allow users to investigate the impact of change drivers on key “sentinel” taxa and soils. spatial temporal sampling strategy coordinates implementation these protocols enables integration across TOS with generated by NEON aquatic, remote sensing, terrestrial instrument subsystems. Here, we illustrate plots units make up physical foundation a site, describe scales (subplot, plot, airshed, site) at which is spatially colocated We also how moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer‐enhanced vegetation index (MODIS‐EVI) phenology are used temporally coordinate within years continental scale observatory. Individually, produce provide insight into populations, communities, ecosystem processes. Within framework guides cross‐protocol implementation, ability draw inference enhanced. To this point, develop an example using R software links two collected different frequencies both plot site scales. A thorough understanding integrated each other in space time, subsystems, necessary leverage maximum effect. For example, researcher must understand soil biogeochemistry data, microbe biomass plant litter production chemistry may be combined quantify nutrient stocks fluxes sites. present clear among subsystems will enhance utility for user community.

Language: Английский

---

A process approach to quality management doublesNEONsensor data quality

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(9), P. 1849 - 1865

Published: July 31, 2022

Abstract A quality management system is critical for ensuring that the data and services provided by an organization meet needs of its mission. With a mission to collect long‐term open‐access ecological better understand how US ecosystems are changing, National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) highly standardized measurement network distributed across United States Puerto Rico collecting on biosphere interfaces with pedosphere, hydrosphere atmosphere. In order achieve high‐quality, comparable network, was developed applying seven ISO 9001:2015 principles management: customer focus , leadership, engagement people, process approach, improvement, evidence‐based decision making relationship . The resultant integrated throughout NEON's organizational structure approach connects people operational processes life cycle ( ). We describe respect sensor (automated measurements), demonstrating effectiveness through examples, lessons learned continuous history improvement towards goals, including doubling in meteorological soil datasets since 2015 substantial gains other datasets. Owing particularly interconnectedness human information systems, can serve as model networks variety structures sizes.

Language: Английский

---

The US National Ecological Observatory Network and the Global Biodiversity Framework: national research infrastructure with a global reach

Journal of Ecology and Environment, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 47

Published: Dec. 14, 2023

Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale program intended to provide open data, samples, and infrastructure understand changing ecosystems for period of 30 years.NEON collects co-located measurements drivers environmental change biological responses, using standardized methods at 81 field sites systematically sample variability trends enable inferences regional continental scales.Alongside key atmospheric variables, NEON measures the biodiversity many taxa, including microbes, plants, animals, samples from these organisms long-term archiving research use.Here we review composition use resources date as whole specific an exemplar potential national contribute globally relevant outcomes.Since initiated full operations in 2019, has produced, on average, 1.4 M records over 32 TB data per year across more than 180 products, with 85 products that include taxonomic or other organismal information science.NEON also collected curated 503,000 specimens spanning all domains life, up 100,000 be added annually.Various metrics use, web portal visitation, download requests, scientific publications, reveal substantial interest global community NEON.More 47,000 unique IP addresses around world visit NEON's portals each month, requesting average 1.8 200 researchers have engaged requests Biorepository.Through its partnerships, particularly Global Biodiversity Information Facility, been used 900 publications date, samples.These outcomes demonstrate provided by NEON, situated broader network infrastructures, are critical scientists, conservation practitioners, policy makers.They effective approaches meeting targets, such those captured Kunming-Montreal Framework.

Language: Английский

---

Temporal design for aquatic organismal sampling across the National Ecological Observatory Network

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(9), P. 1834 - 1848

Published: July 28, 2022

Abstract The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental‐scale research platform designed to assess the impacts of climate change, land‐use change and invasive species on ecosystem structure function at field sites distributed across 20 ecoclimatic domains (or regions) from Alaska Puerto Rico. Aquatic within NEON network include 24 streams, 7 lakes 3 rivers among 19 domains. A significant challenge this effort defining standardized methodology for sampling with substantially variable geomorphology hydrology. aquatic temporal design provides timing windows seasonal best organismal diversity abundance. need establish rule set was addressed via site‐specific windows, defined using suite environmental variables collected publicly available meteorological data. Variables integrated into stream flow, growing degree days riparian phenology. Thresholds these were determined published literature used create three each sample site. Sampling target biological community changes in abundance, roughly align spring, mid‐summer autumn. NEON‐generated data 2014 2021 analysed inter‐ intra‐annual variability quantify community‐scale years Algae, macroinvertebrate zooplankton significantly different supporting separate per year. Moreover, 93% completed 2021. An analysis 14 shows that β‐diversity represents an important attribute community, even if interannual trends may differ. We conclude justified having site achievable most sites. Although have been adjusted select number sites, original are successfully majority will be updated continuous sensor once sufficient (>3 years) available.

Language: Английский

---

Individual canopy tree species maps for the National Ecological Observatory Network

PLoS Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 22(7), P. e3002700 - e3002700

Published: July 16, 2024

The ecology of forest ecosystems depends on the composition trees. Capturing fine-grained information individual trees at broad scales provides a unique perspective ecosystems, restoration, and responses to disturbance. Individual tree data wide extents promises increase scale analysis, biogeographic research, ecosystem monitoring without losing details species abundance. Computer vision using deep neural networks can convert raw sensor into predictions canopy through labeled collected by field researchers. Using over 40,000 stems as training data, we create landscape-level for 100 million across 24 sites in National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). hierarchical multi-temporal models fine-tuned each geographic area, produce open-source available 1 km2 shapefiles with prediction, well crown location, height 81 species. Site-specific had an average performance 79% accuracy covering 6 per site, ranging from 3 15 site. All are openly archived have been uploaded Google Earth Engine benefit community overlay other remote sensing assets. We outline potential utility limitations these computer strategies improving targeted sampling.

Language: Английский

---

Evaluating the utility of hyperspectral data to monitor local-scale β-diversity across space and time

Remote Sensing of Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 316, P. 114507 - 114507

Published: Nov. 13, 2024

Language: Английский

---