GIS and Mapping
Satellite Remote Sensing
Satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are vital in the integrated HCV-HCSA assessment process, providing efficient, accurate snapshots of large areas in a short time.
This technology offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fieldwork, enabling rapid data collection and analysis. GIS specialists use spatial data, including aerial and satellite imagery, to support the assessment at every stage of the project, ensuring precision and depth in the data.
GIS Methodology
Early in the project, a draft land cover map is created in line with the HCV-HCSA Assessment Manual (2017), and land cover classes are ground-truthed during site visits.
During the full assessment phase, the GIS specialist conducts patch analysis and classifies land cover based on data from fieldwork. These datasets form the foundation of the HCV-HCSA assessment and play a key role in guiding the final conclusions and recommendations, ensuring accurate representation of the land cover and its ecological significance.