Case Study: Woodland Mapping
Woodland mapping and analysis has been a common feature of remote sensing for years. Such studies are normally based on high resolution satellite imagery which can accurately map broad woodland areas. LandBase opens up the possibility of not only defining and analysing forested areas but also looking at woodland as a whole to include small groups and individual trees. Mapping and monitoring all woodland can give a better insight into smaller scale habitats and the overall environment.
The image above shows an exert of the study close to Twycross in East Leicestershire. LandBase trees and shrubs formed the building blocks to build a classification of woodland type. Feature shape and size was used to subdivide into logical groupings such as individual, lines of trees and forest. This technique is easily scalable across large areas giving detailed break down of woodland content crucial for monitoring purposes.
Each LandBase object inherits height information which can also be used for analysis. The image shows the results of applying a simple tree volume function using this height in order to estimate biomass. Aerial Imagery (top left), LandBase Level 2 Classification (top right), Woodland type (bottom left) and woodland volume.