GIS and Remote Sensing for Natura 2000 Monitoring in Mediterranean Biogeographic Region

Abstract

NATURA 2000 areas monitoring is a key research topic on European countries since Habi-tat Directive specifies the obligation to implement monitoring systems for conservation status in Natura 2000 spaces. This can be achieved by combining GIS-based models of the Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) with remote sensing classification or interpretation results. The presented study focuses on the implementation of a methodology to locate and detect changes in forest spaces of Natura 2000 Network. Location of different habitats types were carried out based on geo-factors and remote sensing interpretation, terrestrial mapping and analysis of natural habitat distribution for a test site. In order to derive the actual forest habitats, potential natural vegetation was derived from a defined rule-set, in which the habitat types with the highest possibility of occurrence could be ranked accordingly. The result of the modelling for pontential natural vegetation was verified using available satellite data (LANDSAT TM). This task was carried with a maxi-mum likelihood classification using the software PCI Geomatica. The results of the classi-fication and the GIS analysis are combined to obtain preliminary habitat types. These types were verified with existing Forest Management Plans, and compared with results of local terrestrial mapping and natural distribution of habitat types.