Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Evaluating UAV‐based multispectral imagery for mapping an intertidal seagrass environment

Elma, Eylem; Gaulton, Rachel; Chudley, Thomas R.; Scott, Catherine L.; East, Holly K.; Westoby, Hannah; Fitzsimmons, Clare

Evaluating UAV‐based multispectral imagery for mapping an intertidal seagrass environment Thumbnail


Authors

Eylem Elma

Rachel Gaulton

Catherine L. Scott

Holly K. East

Hannah Westoby

Clare Fitzsimmons



Abstract

Worldwide seagrass habitats are under severe anthropogenic threat. In the United Kingdom (UK), the health of habitats of the widely distributed Zostera species is particularly threatened by eutrophication that can lead to detrimental macroalgae overgrowth. To manage and conserve seagrass habitats, effective monitoring tools are required. We use an off‐the‐shelf consumer‐grade multispectral (RGB, red edge, and near‐infrared) camera mounted on an unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) to map an intertidal multispecies seagrass environment in Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, Northumberland, UK. Field surveys were undertaken of three seagrass areas, including those dominated by Zostera noltii , Zostera marina and macroalgae. Using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC), results indicated an overall accuracy (OA) between 84% and 91% across classified habitat maps. As expected, the red edge and near‐infrared bands offered an advantage beyond RGB imagery to discriminate between the vegetation types for accurate habitat mapping. Our research provides a foundation for accurately mapping a complex intertidal seagrass environment through the utilisation of an off‐the‐shelf multispectral UAV. The study may aid the implementation and development of effective monitoring programmes for the management of Zostera spp. decline and macroalgae proliferation to prevent seagrass degradation and conserve these valuable yet fragile ecosystems.

Citation

Elma, E., Gaulton, R., Chudley, T. R., Scott, C. L., East, H. K., Westoby, H., & Fitzsimmons, C. (2024). Evaluating UAV‐based multispectral imagery for mapping an intertidal seagrass environment. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 34(8), Article e4230. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4230

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 8, 2024
Online Publication Date Aug 27, 2024
Publication Date Aug 1, 2024
Deposit Date Sep 2, 2024
Publicly Available Date Sep 2, 2024
Journal Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Print ISSN 1052-7613
Electronic ISSN 1099-0755
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 34
Issue 8
Article Number e4230
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4230
Keywords seagrass, macroalgae, remote sensing, habitat classification, intertidal mapping, multispectral UAV
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2775356

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations