Object-based image analysis protocol for historic trend analysis of forest structure in cumulative effects assessment of forest biodiversity : a feasibility analysis
department or school: Arts and Sciences, Irving K. Barber School of (Okanagan)
department or school: Biology, Department of (Okanagan)
department or school: Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, Department of (Okanagan)
data provider: DSpace
degree campus: UBCO
creator: Gregg, Brandon
issued: 2019-04-01T15:38:51Z
issued: 2019
related degree: Master of Arts - MA
degree grantor: University of British Columbia
description: This research examined the feasibility of a geomatics solution to establish baseline conditions in forest structure using historical aerial photography and to assess trends in forest structure over time. The Geomatics Feasibility Assessment Framework (GFAF), designed for this research, has 3 components that work in a linear direction to assess conceptual and practical feasibility. Gap/opportunity analysis: Forest biodiversity is linked to the provision of ecosystem services (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005) and is a value in the Cumulative Effects Framework (CEF). Limitations to forest biodiversity assessment stem from the use of age-based inventories (e.g. VRI) and HRV-derived benchmark conditions. The Historic Aerial Photograph Heterogeneity Analysis (HAPHA) designed by Morgan & Gergel (2010, 2013) was identified as a potential solution. This conclusion is supported by: objective, efficient and reproducible analysis of historic photos using OBIA methods, and; the unique quantification of ecologically relevant metrics (i.e. heterogeneity). Pilot Study Design: A normative research design was constructed for the pilot studies. The design consists of a stratified sampling scheme, a comparative accuracy assessment and, a multi-variate mixed-effects (hierarchical) regression analysis. Based on data requirements of the research design, the GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation identifies two potential study areas: Opax/Isobel silvicultural research sites and Arrowstone Provincial Park. The sites were selected based on distinct anthropogenic and natural disturbance histories, existing data, consistent aerial coverage, and a shared BEC subzone. Cost/Benefit Analysis: Costs were estimated using a bottom-up estimation technique and expert judgement. For a single study area, a pilot study would cost between $13,900 and $21,400. Benefits were estimated through a comparative analysis of relatable research and assigned a likelihood based on a unique set of evaluative criteri…
aggregated CHO: https://circle.library.ubc.ca/rest/handle/2429/69379
note: OBJECT-BASED IMAGE ANALYSIS PROTOCOL FOR HISTORIC TREND ANALYSIS OF FOREST STRUCTURE IN CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT OF FOREST BIODIVERSITY: A FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS by Brandon Gregg B.A., Wilfrid Laurier University, 2013 Adv. Dip, Centre of Geographic Sciences, 2014 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in THE COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES (Interdisciplinary Studies) THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Okanagan) May, 2019 © Brandon Gregg, 2019 ii The following individuals certify that they have read, and recommend to the College of Graduate Studies for acceptance, a thesis/dissertation entitled: Object-based image analysis protocol for historic trend analysis of forest structure in cumulative effects assessment of forest biodiversity: a feasibility analysis submitted by Brandon Gregg in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Arts . Dr. Kevin Hanna, Geography Supervisor Dr. Jason Pither, Biology and Earth and Environmental Sciences Supervisory Committee Member Doug Lewis, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Supervisory Committee Member Dr. Daniel Durral, Biology University Examiner iii Abstract This research examined the feasibility of a geomatics solution to establish baseline conditions in forest structure using historical aerial photography and to assess trends in forest structure over time. The Geomatics Feasibility Assessment Framework (GFAF), designed for this research, has 3 components that work in a linear direction to assess conceptual and practical feasibility. Gap/opportunity analysis: Forest biodiversity is linked to the provision of ecosystem services (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005) and is a value in the Cumulative Effects Framework (CEF). Limitations to forest biodiversity assessment stem from the use of age-based inventories (e.g. VRI) and HRV-derived benchmark conditions. The Historic Aerial Photograph Heterogeneity Analysis (HAPHA) design…
has type: Thesis/Dissertation
date issued: 2019-05
is shown at: 10.14288/1.0377723
language: eng
degree discipline: Interdisciplinary Studies
provider: Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
publisher: University of British Columbia
rights: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
rights URI: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
scholar level: Graduate
type: Text
identifier URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/69379