Abstract
This research was focused on the study of visual exposure evolution in the locality of the Drátenická skála nature monument (in the Czech Republic) and the surrounding forest complex in terms of history and through modelling for further possible stand development. The local forests underwent conversion from a natural fir-beech composition to an intensive spruce monoculture with few insect pests or windbreak events to an actual bark beetle infestation. Historic maps, landscape paintings, photographs, and orthophotos served as the basic materials for the illustration of the past situation. Further development was modelled using canopy height models and spectral properties captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As an example, the possible situation of total mortality among coniferous spruce trees after a bark beetle outbreak was modelled. Other options and a practical use of such preprocessed data are, for example, a model for opening and transforming the stands around the rock as one of the ongoing outcrop management trends in the protected landscape area (PLA) of Žďárské vrchy.
Highlights
The authors would like to dedicate this article to the memory of Associate Professor Jan Lacina, who passed away on 21 March 2020
The geographical information systems (GIS) analysis consisted of taking data by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) scanning and computing each tree location, crown area, and height
Higher classification accuracy was demonstrated on the basis of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), especially at the tree level
Summary
The authors would like to dedicate this article to the memory of Associate Professor Jan Lacina, who passed away on 21 March 2020. This study targeted the protection of rock outcrops, which are considered to be specific microecosystems and are biodiversity hotspots facing the threats and impacts of ongoing climate change [1,2] They are refuges for flora and fauna from the surrounding adversely human-affected landscape and have unique characteristics for life [3]. These areas remove unfavourable edaphic, nutrient, temperature, and other climatic conditions, and along with providing topographic heterogeneity, they serve as suitable habitats for endemic species that require a specific environment [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
