Abstract
Coral reef management and conservation stand to benefit from improved high-resolution global mapping. Yet classifications underpinning large-scale reef mapping to date are typically poorly defined, not shared or region-specific, limiting end-users’ ability to interpret outputs. Here we present Reef Cover, a coral reef geomorphic zone classification, developed to support both producers and end-users of global-scale coral reef habitat maps, in a transparent and version-based framework. Scalable classes were created by focusing on attributes that can be observed remotely, but whose membership rules also reflect deep knowledge of reef form and functioning. Bridging the divide between earth observation data and geo-ecological knowledge of reefs, Reef Cover maximises the trade-off between applicability at global scales, and relevance and accuracy at local scales. Two case studies demonstrate application of the Reef Cover classification scheme and its scientific and conservation benefits: 1) detailed mapping of the Cairns Management Region of the Great Barrier Reef to support management and 2) mapping of the Caroline and Mariana Island chains in the Pacific for conservation purposes.
Highlights
Background & SummaryEnhanced earth observation and analytical capabilities have revolutionised the way we view our planet, allowing a global perspective that has the potential to dramatically influence the way humanity manages finite planetary resources[1]
One barrier is the transfer of insights gained from remote sensing data from producers to end-users
maps developed using the Reef Cover classification (Maps) are an efficient way to share large amounts of spatial data, but to be effective they must be underpinned by a classification framework that a) follows a clear and transparent rationale, b) defines classes that are meaningful for the application, c) is clearly and unambiguously described and is d) discoverable and intuitive to interpret end-users
Summary
Enhanced earth observation and analytical capabilities have revolutionised the way we view our planet, allowing a global perspective that has the potential to dramatically influence the way humanity manages finite planetary resources[1]. Maps are an efficient way to share large amounts of spatial data, but to be effective they must be underpinned by a classification framework that a) follows a clear and transparent rationale (transparency), b) defines classes that are meaningful for the application (relevance), c) is clearly and unambiguously described (clarity) and is d) discoverable and intuitive to interpret end-users (accessibility). Traditional reef classification has involved an a priori grouping of natural features into classes based on detailed field observations and expert knowledge, often drawing from multiple disciplines, and making use of diverse ecological and geological datasets (e.g. drill cores, bathymetry readings, ecological benthic data) and natural history theory (Expert-led classification, Fig. 1)[7,8] These natural history classifications draw from a breadth of understanding of reef development and ecology, but have sometimes lacked a standardised approach Reef Cover’s success was evaluated on how effectively it has been used to support creators of large-scale coral reef maps to generate products that have promoted management and conservation outcomes for reefs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
