LiDAR metrics and Sentinel-2 derived NDVI for Conservation Status Mapping

This study aims to assess the ability of single photon LiDAR (14 points m2) and Sentinel-2 data to classify the conservation status of oak forests in Natura 2000 habitats directive sites (codes: 9160, 9230 and 9240). The study area encompasses four Special Areas for Conservation in Navarra province (Spain): “Montes de Valdorba”, “Sierra de Lokiz”, “Belate” and “Robledales de Ultzama”. To conduct the analysis a random sample of pixels was selected using a stratified mapping based on the conservation status of the study zones performed by GAN-NIK (Gestión Ambiental de Navarra S.A.), terrain slope, height and cover of forest canopy.