UAV Monitoring for Enviromental Management in Galapagos Islands

UAV technology proves highly effective for monitoring littoral vegetation degradation in the Galápagos Islands, offering timely and accurate data crucial for environmental management. The study demonstrates that UAV-captured RGB and NIR images can systematically identify vegetation presence through NDVI and characterize plant vigor via object-based classification. This approach provides a robust tool for baseline studies and ongoing monitoring, addressing critical gaps in the region's ability to respond to threats like invasive species spread and habitat degradation. By enabling rapid data collection and thematic information production, UAVs enhance decision-making for protected areas where ecosystem dynamics are particularly vulnerable.

Ballaria, D., Orellana, D., Acostaa, E., Espinoza, A., & Morocho, V. (2016). UAV MONITORING FOR ENVIROMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLI-B1, 1105–1111. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xli-b1-1105-2016