Using Google Earth Engine To Automate Forest Disturbance Detection In Near Real Time

Google Earth Engine (GEE); (https://earthengine.google.org) is a cloud-based online earth observation data archive and distributed computing environment that represents a potential paradigm shift in processing earth observation data. The Forest Service USDA Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC) used GEE to automate and streamline the creation of baseline image products used in the Real-Time Forest Disturbance (RTFD) program.This work was sponsored by the Forest Service Remote Sensing Steering Committee (RSSC). The RTFD program detects changes in forest conditions as compared to an established baseline raster layer. Until recently the creation of the baseline layer was largely a manual process that required approximately 300 hours each year. Using GEE, we have reduced that effort to 60 hours-an 80 percent reduction in labor time. This application represents one of numerous projects wherin RSAC has leveraged GEE capabilities.

Presents an objective rigorous analysis of relevant issues along with case studies to examine the interface between ape conservation and infrastructure development. This title is also available as Open Access via Cambridge Core.

This Open Access volume aims to methodologically improve our understanding of biodiversity by linking disciplines that incorporate remote sensing, and uniting data and perspectives in the fields of biology, landscape ecology, and geography. The book provides a framework for how biodiversity can be detected and evaluated—focusing particularly on plants—using proximal and remotely sensed hyperspectral data and other tools such as LiDAR. The volume, whose chapters bring together a large cross-section of the biodiversity community engaged in these methods, attempts to establish a common language across disciplines for understanding and implementing remote sensing of biodiversity across scales. The first part of the book offers a potential basis for remote detection of biodiversity. An overview of the nature of biodiversity is described, along with ways for determining traits of plant biodiversity through spectral analyses across spatial scales and linking spectral data to the tree of life. The second part details what can be detected spectrally and remotely. Specific instrumentation and technologies are described, as well as the technical challenges of detection and data synthesis, collection and processing. The third part discusses spatial resolution and integration across scales and ends with a vision for developing a global biodiversity monitoring system. Topics include spectral and functional variation across habitats and biomes, biodiversity variables for global scale assessment, and the prospects and pitfalls in remote sensing of biodiversity at the global scale.

Deforestation and forest degradation represent a significant fraction of the annual worldwide human-induced emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, the main source of biodiversity losses and the destruction of millions of people's homes. Despite local/regional causes, its consequences are global. This book provides a general view about deforestation dynamics around the world, incorporating analyses of its causes, impacts and actions to prevent it. Its 17 Chapters, organized in three sections, refer to deforestation impacts on climate, soil, biodiversity and human population, but also describe several initiatives to prevent it. A special emphasis is given to different remote-sensing and mapping techniques that could be used as a source for decision-makers and society to promote forest conservation and control deforestation.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is the premier public resource on scientific and technological developments that impact global security. Founded by Manhattan Project Scientists, the Bulletin's iconic "Doomsday Clock" stimulates solutions for a safer world.