--> Abstract: The Use of Remote Sensing and GIS to Develop a Model of Critical Biological Resources at a Regional Scale, by T. P. McDowell; #90958 (1995).

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Abstract: The Use of Remote Sensing and GIS to Develop a Model of Critical Biological Resources at a Regional Scale

Thomas P. McDowell

Many areas of the United States are facing continued pressures to develop previously undisturbed areas for human uses and are witnessing a rapid decline in the population of sensitive plants and animals. This study demonstrates how GIS and remote sensing were effectively used in an area facing such pressures (San Diego County) to identify the critical habitats needed to maintain biological diversity and protect self-sustaining, viable populations of sensitive species.

Remote sensing using color infrared aerial photography and satellite imagery were used to delineate vegetation with a minimum mapping unit of about 1/2 acre. The GIS was used to build a database including the vegetation layer, soils, elevation, slope, land use, land ownership, sensitive species location, and other layers. The GIS was also used to analyze these layers and, in consultation with a committee of natural resource experts, to develop a model that ranked critical biological resources in the study area from high to low. Although the project began by building a vector GIS database, the data were converted to a raster GIS to take advantage of some of powerful neighborhood analysis and least cost path tools found in raster GIS software. The model used primarily vegetation but als other physical factors (elevation, slope, patch size, climate zone, etc.) to assess the potential of each unit area to contribute to the goals of high biodiversity and protection of sensitive species.

The four major components of the model were: (1) identification and ranking of key habitat for the California gnatcatcher, a federally threatened species of significant regional concern; (2) development of an index of overall habitat value; (3) identification of the distribution of known federal and state listed species plus species proposed for listing; and (4) delineation of potential wildlife corridors. Using a maximization function, the four components were combined to produce an overall Habitat Evaluation Map. The model results are currently being used to evaluate several habitat preserve alternatives for San Diego. The regional scale approach to resolving environmental problems developed for this study has commanded favorable attention at local and national levels.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90958©1995 AAPG Pacific Section Meeting, San Francisco, California