Mapping and indicator approaches for the assessment of habitats at different scales using remote sensing and GIS methods

The paper presents a case study for the application of satellite remote sensing and GIS data and methods in the context of habitat monitoring and landscape assessment at different scales. The range of work covers the production of overview maps for land covers, techniques of classification for detailed habitat maps, change detection as a management support tool for the updating of existing habitat databases and an integrative GIS model to delineate habitat suitability for key species. Furthermore the role of comprehensive indicators and historical satellite data in investigating landscape change over two decades on a regional scale is discussed. Future activities for transferring the respective approaches onto a pan-European scale are presented in a concluding discussion. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.