The Role of Remote Sensing in a Strategy to Monitor and Mitigate Societal Impacts of Desertification

摘要

Remote sensing techniques have traditionally provided a measure of surface soil characteristics and vegetation composition and cover, as components in desertification assessment and monitoring. More importantly, remote sensing provides a measure of the extent and magnitude of the effects of desertification, which is critical to mitigation efforts. However, any attempt to mitigate the societal impacts of desertification should include an investigation of the consequences of future management strategies and the consideration of an appropriate decision support system. To address this issue, a team comprising South African, Namibian and US scientists is developing a multi-platform approach using ASTER, MODIS and Landsat imagery and aerial photography integrated with process oriented in situ measurements of vegetation, fauna and soils. Current monitoring and assessment data, results of remote sensing studies, and input from workshops with local communities will be integrated, to provide a management decision support system operational at local and regional scales.