@article{Burgueño2023,

title = {Scalable approach for high-resolution land cover: a case study in the Mediterranean Basin},

author = {A. M. Burgueño and J. F. Aldana-Martín and M. Vázquez-Pendón and C. Barba-González and Y. J. Gómez and V. E. García-Millán and I. Navas-Delgado},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s40537-023-00770-z},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s40537-023-00770-z},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-02},

journal = {Journal of Big Data},

volume = {10},

number = {91},

abstract = {The production of land cover maps is an everyday use of image classification applications on remote sensing. However, managing Earth observation satellite data for a large region of interest is challenging in the task of creating land cover maps. Since satellite imagery is getting more precise and extensive, Big Data techniques are becoming essential to handle the rising quantity of data. Furthermore, given the complexity of managing and analysing the data, defining a methodology that reduces the complexity of the process into different smaller steps is vital to data processing. This paper presents a Big Data methodology for creating land cover maps employing artificial intelligence algorithms. Machine Learning algorithms are contemplated for remote sensing and geodata classification, supported by explainable artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the process considers aspects related to downloading data from different satellites, Copernicus and ASTER, executing the pre-processing and processing of the data in a distributed environment, and depicting the visualisation of the result. The methodology is validated in a test case for er map of the Mediterranean Basin.},

keywords = {Geotechnology, Land and soil},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Long-term assessment of the effectiveness of coastal protection regulations in conserving natural habitats in Spain},

author = {G. Martorell-Guerrero and D. Rodríguez-Rodríguez and V. E. García-Millán},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569123001266},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2023.106601},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-05-15},

journal = {Ocean & Coastal Management},

volume = {239},

abstract = {Spain has undergone rapid socioeconomic development in the past three decades. This has been linked to massive residential and infrastructural development based on a short-term, profitable and resource-intensive consuming model. As a result, large amounts of agricultural, natural and semi-natural soils have been lost to artificial areas, especially around main cities and on the coast. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of the Spanish Shores Act at preventing land development in two biogeographical regions and three administrative scales between 1988 and 2020 using a BACI design and remote sensing data. We also analysed the combined effect of other regulations to prevent land development on the coast. The Shores Act was effective in reducing land development although moderate to substantial land development occurred in the zones affected by the Law, especially in the Mediterranean region. Adding other sectoral regulations to the Shores Act notably and consistently reduced land development across regions. Among them, cumulative protected area (PA) regulations were most effective in reducing coastal land development. The use of satellite images, especially Sentinel 2A MSI data within a BACI design, proved a useful method for assessing the effectiveness of fine-scale objectives of environmental policies such as the Shores Act.},

keywords = {Conservation and management, Environmental conservation, Geotechnology, Land and soil, Pressures, Tourism},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{García-Millán2022,

title = {Identification of Priority Forest Conservation Areas for Critically Endangered Lemur Species of Madagascar},

author = {V. E. García-Millán and D. Rodríguez-Rodríguez and A. Martín Oncina and A. Andrianarimisa and L. O. Randriamiharisoa and G. Martorell-Guerrero and A. Bóveda and D. Abdul-Malak},

url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/land11091455},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/land11091455},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-09-01},

urldate = {2022-09-01},

journal = {Land},

volume = {11},

number = {1455},

issue = {9},

abstract = {Forests have extraordinary importance for the conservation of endemic species in Madagascar. However, they are disappearing fast due to a number of pressures, notably unsustainable agricultural practices leading to aggravated status of biodiversity. Here, we used a number of ecological and spatial criteria to identify and prioritise unprotected forest areas for the conservation of the eight critically endangered species of lemur belonging to the Lemuridae family in Madagascar. By combining spatial information layers on the distribution areas of the studied lemurs, forest extension and conservation status, and potential human impacts (such as roads, human settlements and agriculture lands), it was possible to identify the most appropriate sites for the expansion of the conservation areas of critically endangered lemur species. Seven new sites, totalling over 33,000 ha, were identified as priority sites for the protection of those species. All of them were adjacent to or inside (just one site) existing protected areas (PAs), which likely makes their protection both feasible and socioeconomically efficient by enlarging those PAs. Legally protecting these sites would not only take Madagascar one little step ahead for meeting oncoming global biodiversity targets for 2030 but could also make a substantial contribution to the mid-term survival of the studied lemur species.},

keywords = {Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Environmental conservation, Forest, Geotechnology, Protected areas},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Kerzabi2021,

title = {Contribution of remote sensing and GIS to mapping groundwater vulnerability in arid zone: Case from Amour Mountains- Algerian Saharan Atlas},

author = {R. Kerzabi and H. Mansour and S. Yousfi and A. I. Marín and B. Andreo and K. E. Bensefia},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2021.104277},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2021.104277},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-10-01},

journal = {Journal of African Earth Sciences},

volume = {182},

number = {104277},

issue = {October 2021},

abstract = {Protecting groundwater resource from pollution in arid zone is coming an important act for sensing development in this region calling for geomatics tools to characterize the geological and hydrogeological environment. The present work gives a new way to combine remote sensing and geographic information systems to elaborate vulnerability map of Deffa watershed (in Amour Mountains). This region is a good example of arid zones how know an important growth of agriculture, but there is under gap of geological, hydrogeological and soil knowledge. In the first time, we analyzed the Landsat 8-OLI image data with bands combination, ratios composition in RGB and filters to cartography the lithology's contours and lineament map. The false color composition of bands (765, 753, and 543) in RGB given the primary lithological delimitation. Supported by band rationing technique, we produced of 1/50000 geological map. The filter treatments given the lineament map superposed to the first one to realize geo-structural map. In addition, these images served to elaborate pedology map, using Decision Tree (Slope, Redness Index and Lithology parameters). Secondly, we established a GIS including the result map of RS treatment (lithology, lineament and soil maps) and additional spatial information (aquifer type and deep of groundwater surface and precipitations …). In GIS, the vulnerability index are calculated using GOD and PI methods. Both of maps displayed four classes of vulnerability: between Low and Extreme in the first map, and Very low to High vulnerability in the second one. In the some areas, we have controversial values of vulnerability; this leads us to validate these maps using pollution indicators (NO3−, NH4+ and SO42−). The validation displayed that the PI coincides better with special concentrations of pollutants.},

keywords = {Climate Change, Conservation and management, Geotechnology, Groundwater, Pressures},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Riedler2020,

title = {Copernicus Knowledge and innovation hubs},

author = {B. Riedler and S. Lang and P. Zeil and M. Miguel-Lago and C. Schröder and N. Politi-Stergiou and M. Kerschbaumer and V. Tramutoli and M. Tzouvaras},

url = {https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLIII-B5-2020-35-2020},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-08-24},

journal = {The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences},

volume = {XLIII-B5-2020},

pages = {35-42},

abstract = {Copernicus, the European Space program ensures free data availability and the organisational and financial framework to provide standardized information products in its service domains atmosphere, marine, land monitoring, climate change, emergency management and human security. A key to success to the market uptake process is knowledge exchange among all actors from the various sectors involved, notably research and educational institutions, industry, and the public sector. As a successful instrument to foster and stimulate this exchange, maximize the impact and additionally boost related capacity building and training activities, the Copernicus Academy has been anchored in the European Space Strategy. The present paper highlights some key activities to leverage the potential of this dynamically growing network of experts from universities and research institutions, public and private organizations, companies, stakeholders, and increase the benefit to its members. The vision of establishing both physical implementations of regional Copernicus hubs and virtual Copernicus hubs, built on key elements of the European Innovation strategy, is discussed. Regional hubs, attached e.g. to centres of excellence, are essential to meet local needs for exchange and training to boost the user uptake. The increasing importance of virtual hubs is becoming evident as a critical means to maximise synergies among actors in the rapidly advancing technological areas. Proposed technical elements demonstrate innovative solutions to visualize and facilitate easy harvesting of the Copernicus Academy member´s expertise for different stakeholder and the public, and show cast possibilities of active involvement and exchange within the network.},

keywords = {Geotechnology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Sánchez-Espinosa2019b,

title = {Land use and land cover mapping in wetlands one step closer to the ground: Sentinel-2 versus Landsat 8},

author = {A. Sánchez-Espinosa and C. Schröder},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479719308850},

doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.06.084},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-10-01},

journal = {Journal of Environmental Management},

volume = {247},

pages = {484-498},

abstract = {Environmental studies with Landsat images have revealed many of the problems faced by wetland ecosystem, which are crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and the natural values of our planet. The study of LULC changes in wetlands through remote sensing constantly helps to identify and combat their main environmental threats improving the conservation of these natural habitats. Starting in mid-2015, the Sentinel-2 satellite opens new possibilities in the field of earth observation thanks to its higher spatial, spectral and temporal resolution becoming a powerful source of information for LULC monitoring in wetland areas. However, researchers may ask them selves to what extent Sentinel-2 is an improvement over Landsat 8 for general purposes. This research test if there is a real difference in the quality of the results delivered by both Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 imagery when basic classification methods are applied.



The study uses Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 imagery to produce LULC maps in a Mediterranean wetland area applying an object based classification method in order to compare the accuracy and reliability in the surface detected by both satellites. The results show that an object based classification using only the Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 image information, without band indexes or ancillary data, offers very similar results for most LULC classes, being the overall accuracy around 87–88% with slightly better results when using Sentinel-2. Although using Sentinel-2 leads to an increase in file size and processing times, the analysis of certain LULC classes presents an improvement compared to Landsat 8, detecting more linear and small size elements with a better delineation of image features in the classified map. However, these improvements should not underestimate the value of Landsat imagery in the future since both satellites provide high precision information, so they can and should coexist and be used together to increase data availability in order to have the best possible results in remote sensing research.},

keywords = {Geotechnology, Land and soil, SWOS, Wetlands},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{etal.al.2018,

title = {Practical solutions for bottlenecks in ecosystem services mapping},

author = {I. Palomo et al.},

url = {https://oneecosystem.pensoft.net/article/20713/element/8/46777/},

doi = {10.3897/oneeco.3.e20713},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {One Ecosystem},

volume = {3},

abstract = {Background

Ecosystem services (ES) mapping is becoming mainstream in many sustainability assessments, but its impact on real world decision-making is still limited. Robustness, end-user relevance and transparency have been identified as key attributes needed for effective ES mapping. However, these requirements are not always met due to multiple challenges, referred to here as bottlenecks, that scientists, practitioners, policy makers and users from other public and private sectors encounter along the mapping process.



New information

A selection of commonly encountered ES mapping bottlenecks that relate to seven themes: i) map-maker map-user interaction; ii) nomenclature and ontologies; iii) skills and background; iv) data and maps availability; v) methods-selection; vi) technical difficulties; and vii) over-simplification of mapping process/output. The authors synthesise the variety of solutions already applied by map-makers and map-users to mitigate or cope with these bottlenecks and discuss the emerging trade-offs amongst different solutions. Tackling the bottlenecks described here is a crucial first step towards more effective ES mapping, which can in turn ensure the adequate impact of ES mapping in decision-making.},

keywords = {Ecosystem services, Geotechnology, Land and soil},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Sánchez-Espinosa2015,

title = {Development of an Indicator to Monitor Mediterranean Wetlands},

author = {A. Sánchez-Espinosa and D. Abdul-Malak and A. Guelmami and C. Perennou},

url = {http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122694},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0122694},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-03-31},

journal = {Plos One},

volume = {10},

number = {3},

abstract = {Wetlands are sensitive ecosystems that are increasingly subjected to threats from anthropogenic factors. In the last decades, coastal Mediterranean wetlands have been suffering considerable pressures from land use change, intensification of urban growth, increasing tourism infrastructure and intensification of agricultural practices. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques are efficient tools that can support monitoring Mediterranean coastal wetlands on large scales and over long periods of time. The study aims at developing a wetland indicator to support monitoring Mediterranean coastal wetlands using these techniques. The indicator makes use of multi-temporal Landsat images, land use reference layers, a 50m numerical model of the territory (NMT) and Corine Land Cover (CLC) for the identification and mapping of wetlands. The approach combines supervised image classification techniques making use of vegetation indices and decision tree analysis to identify the surface covered by wetlands at a given date. A validation process is put in place to compare outcomes with existing local wetland inventories to check the results reliability. The indicator´s results demonstrate an improvement in the level of precision of change detection methods achieved by traditional tools providing reliability up to 95% in main wetland areas. The results confirm that the use of RS techniques improves the precision of wetland detection compared to the use of CLC for wetland monitoring and stress the strong relation between the level of wetland detection and the nature of the wetland areas and the monitoring scale considered.},

keywords = {Geotechnology, Wetlands},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Mancosu2015,

title = {Future land-use change scenarios for the Black Sea catchment},

author = {E. Mancosu and A. Gago-Silva and A. Barbosa and A. de Bono and E. Ivanov and A. Lehmann and J. Fons},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901114000550},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2014.02.008},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-02-01},

journal = {Environmental Science & Policy},

volume = {46},

pages = {26-36},

abstract = {Plausible future scenarios have been created for the Black Sea catchment, focussing on spatially explicit alternatives for land-use changes. Four qualitative storylines (HOT, ALONE, COOP and COOL) were first developed, based on interpretation of the respective global scenarios (A1, A2, B1 and B2) produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Quantitative statistical downscaling techniques were then used to disaggregate the outputs of global scenarios at a regional level. The resulting land-use maps were spatially allocated at 1 km resolution in the Metronamica model, using a set of factors related to the identified drivers of change. The land-use change model was calibrated on historical trends of land-cover change (MODIS 2001 and 2008) translated into spatial allocation rules, and future land-use projections (IMAGE, 2001) were adopted. Suitability and constraint maps and population trends were used to regulate the modelling process. The calibrated model was validated by statistical procedures, visual evaluation and stakeholder involvement in order to ensure its plausibility and accuracy. This methodology bridged the gap between the global and regional scales. Four simulated future states were produced for the main land-use classes–forest, grassland, cropland and built-up areas, as well as scrublands, crops/natural vegetation and barren land–for 2025 and 2050. The results suggest that the features highlighted in these scenarios are guided by global trends, such as population rise and decreasing agriculture, but with different growth rates and a variety of spatial patterns, with regional variations resulting from local backgrounds and policy objectives. This study aims to provide future land-use data as a potential geographical tool to assist policy makers in addressing environmental emergencies such as water stress and pollution. In particular, the exploration of plausible futures can support future assessments to comply with the EU Water Framework Directive and Integrated Coastal Zone Management policies around the Black Sea.},

keywords = {Climate Change, Geotechnology, Land and soil, Pressures},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Lehmann2015,

title = {Filling the gap between Earth observation and policy making in the Black Sea catchment with enviroGRIDS},

author = {A. Lehmann and G. Giuliania and E. Mancosu and K. C. Abbaspour and S. Sözen and D. Gorgan and A. Beel and N. Ray},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901114000525},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2014.02.005},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-02-01},

journal = {Environmental Science & Policy},

volume = {46},

pages = {1-12},

abstract = {The environmental status of the Black Sea is obviously closely related to its catchment. Being a closed sea, this large water body drains an area of more than 2 million km2, encompassing 23 countries inhabited by more than 180 million people. The main environmental issues faced by the Black Sea catchment are the same as elsewhere in Europe. These problems are exacerbated by global changes with drastic changes predicted in temperature and precipitation by the end of the century, as well as land use and demographic changes. These environmental problems are taking place in a complex geopolitical situation. In this particular context, data sharing is essential to inform managers and policy-makers about the state of the environment, which will ultimately influence the state of the Black Sea itself. The enviroGRIDS project was set up in order to promote international data sharing initiatives such as the Global Earth Observation System of Systems and the European INSPIRE directive. The enviroGRIDS project was successful in reaching the following objectives: (a) performing a gap analysis on existing Earth observations systems in the region; (b) developing regional capacities at institutional, infrastructure and human resource levels; (c) creating regional scenarios to set the scene for plausible climatic, demographic and land use futures; (d) building the first hydrological model for the entire Black Sea catchment; (e) developing the Black Sea Catchment Observation System based on interoperability standards and Grid computing technologies; (f) showcasing data sharing in several case studies, addressing important environmental issues while building a network of people with improved capacity on data sharing principles. These relative successes should not, however, hide the difficulties in making the necessary Earth observation data available to scientists, decision makers and the public, as the mind-sets at all levels are changing slowly. Controlling the access to data is still perceived by many as a necessity to guarantee the power of the state on society and as a way to preserve its security. The need to develop national spatial data infrastructures (SDI) is very important to convince all ministries and data owner that publically funded data should be made publically available. The progress in the implementation of SDI seems more limited by political agendas than by technology. It is clear, however, that implementation of the INSPIRE directive in Europe is a prerequisite for the success of many other environmental policies (e.g. Water Framework Directive; Marine Strategy Framework Directive; Biodiversity strategy 2020).},

keywords = {Climate Change, Geotechnology, Pressures},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}