Quantification of Microtopography in Natural Ecosystems Using Close-Range Remote Sensing

Microtopography plays an important role in various ecological, hydrologic, and biogeochemical processes. However, quantifying the characteristics of microtopography represents a data-intensive challenge. Over last decade, high-resolution or close-range remote sensing data techniques have emerged as powerful tools to quantify microtopography. Traditional field surveys were mostly limited transects small plots, using sets observations but with decrease cost technologies increase computing performance, even forested environments can be assessed. The main objective this article is provide systematic framework for microtopographic studies technologies. This achieved by reviewing application capture develop models natural ecosystems. Specifically, achieve objectives, we focus on addressing following questions: (1) What terrain attributes represent ecosystems? (2) spatial resolution needed microtopography? (3) methodologies been adopted collect at selected resolutions? (4) How assess Current research, challenges, applicability different terrains are analyzed eye enhancing use these new We highlight importance DEM (less than 1 m2 resolution) delineate Such generated techniques. also illustrate need move beyond elevation include attributes, such slope, aspect, wetness index, ruggedness, flow accumulation, path, their influencing processes greenhouse gas emissions, species distribution, biodiversity. To terms physical characteristics, several methods adopted, threshold-based classification, mechanistically-based delineation, machine learning-based delineation features based area, volume, depth, perimeter, landscape metrics compare classified features. Remote techniques, when used conjunction experiments/data, avenues researchers understanding ecological functions biodiversity hydrological processes, environmental factors that influence those parameters. our knowledge, provides comprehensive detailed review acquisition quantification ecosystem studies.