4 Researching state and dynamics in landscape using remote sensing

This chapter looks at the usage of remote sensing data for practical research. Remote sensing data can be used for individual applications and research studies as well as routine work, and basic data sets can be provided as vital pieces information for landscape ecological investigations. Experimental work such as tests related to sensor development, signature research and non-operational digital analysis methods are not dealt with here as this chapter is more concerned with applied remote sensing. Nevertheless, the importance of basic research is self-evident and is much respected for efficient, rational applications. The main fields of investigation that use remote sensing are disciplines that ascertain the Earth’s surface, especially its land cover, sealed or unsealed, with or without vegetation, and its use and possible conservation, as well as its sometimes vast changes and high dynamics. Attention is focused on local, regional and general environmental planning, mainly in connection with opencast mining, agriculture, (sub)urban development, and information needed for surveys and planning authorities. Rather than listing all the activities carried out during the past few years, instead useful examples will be given of practical applications that have been undertaken. The remote sensing data collected for all applied landscape ecological investigations are based on electro-optical scanner images. Generally used sources of spatial data are listed in Table 4.1.