RECOVER MAP 3.1.3.4 Lanscape Pattern Vegetation Mapping with Worldview 2 Imagery

RECOVER supports assessment of vegetation community structure and landscape pattern via various means: ground truthing and related mapping of field morphometrics, community and species identification along elevation gradients (marl prairie to ridge and slough gradients), and community typing via photogrammetry. The focus of this initiative is on methods development using new satellite imagery (with greater spectral and spatial resolution). New imagery and new methods (including technological advancements) make remote sensing using the Digital Globe WorldView 2 imagery a strong candidate to track landscape and vegetative change within the Everglades CERP footprint. Information gained from this and related efforts is expected to provide future guidance relevant to CERP project implementation and structure operations. This scope is written as part of the RECOVER Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP) section 3.1.3 and 3.1.4. The objectives include:
â ¢ Develop vegetation/landscape community maps and assess effectiveness of mapping using WorldView 2 imagery.
1) Acquire needed imagery (in consultation with RECOVER GE working group to determine most relevant areas of expected change given expected CERP project sequencing and implementation. As well as considering the location of available or expected ground truthing information- GRTS panels, marl prairie- slough transects and photogrammetric mapping in ENP).
2) Create map above and below Tamiami trail upstream and downstream of 1 mile bridge
3) Create map of Ridge and Slough, Tree Island, wet prairie habitat in WCA3A (using the same panels as the RECOVER R&S landscape contract- Heffernan)

â ¢ Investigate and characterize the spectral and metric qualities of the Worldview-2 data as related to specific aspects of the sensor, data acquisition, and level of processing (including available band combinations, angle of acquisition, sun elevation angle, method of geo-referencing, etc).
â ¢ Investigate and characterize the outcome of spatial re-sampling on the spectral integrity of the imagery and on the type of landscape information that can be derived at various spatial scales with the intent of comparing the results to similar work of this type (e.g. 30 m Landsat classification of the Everglades.