Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/13552
Title: Natura 2000 habitat mapping in Cyprus using high resolution orthophoto maps
Authors: Tzirkalli, Elli 
Eliades, Elias 
Chrysopolitou, Vasiliki 
Hatziiordanou, Lena 
Panagiotou, Nikos 
Agapiou, Athos 
Antoniou, Andreas 
Xenophontos, Marina 
Panayiotou, Charalampos 
Hadjicharalambous, Helena 
Major Field of Science: Engineering and Technology
Field Category: Civil Engineering
Keywords: Annex I habitat types;Habitat mapping;Natura 2000 network
Issue Date: Mar-2018
Source: 6th International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment, 2018, 26-29 March, Paphos, Cyprus
Conference: 6th International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment 
Abstract: The Natura 2000 network is an essential tool for the protection and conservation of habitats and species throughout Europe. Each member state is responsible for the designation and management of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), according to the provisions of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). One of the key components for the conservation of these areas and their natural habitats is monitoring to ensure their long-term protection and maintenance. In this study, high resolution orthophotos were used to update the habitat maps of 17 SACs of the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus (areas under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus) and also to map two (2) new candidate Sites of Community Importance (cSCIs). Habitat mapping involved an initial photo-interpretation using orthophotos and, subsequently, the aggregation of information from supplementary data (i.e. Corine Land Cover, crosswalks between EUNIS habitats Classification and Corine Land Cover, Google earth imagery from different years and seasons, etc.) to produce a map with all available information (spatial and descriptive) regarding habitat types and their cover area. Validation of the updated habitat mapping was performed by habitat and flora experts, combined with extensive field work. Additionally, 100 monitoring protocols were used to record and assess the conservation degree of 13 different habitat types inside these 19 areas. The study demonstrates that high-resolution orthophotos, combined with field work, significantly contributed to the improvement of the Natura 2000 habitat mapping. Remote sensing applications are powerful tools for identifying, mapping and monitoring of the Natura 2000 habitats.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/13552
DOI: 10.1117/12.2324301
Rights: © 2018 SPIE.
Type: Conference Papers
Affiliation : Atlantis Consulting Cyprus Ltd 
University of Ioannina 
Greek Biotope Wetland Centre 
OIKOM Environmental Studies Ltd 
Cyprus University of Technology 
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Cyprus 
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed
Appears in Collections:Δημοσιεύσεις σε συνέδρια /Conference papers or poster or presentation

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