Integrating field sampling, geostatistics and remote sensing to map wetland vegetation in the Pantanal, Brazil

A novel mapping approach for wetland vegetation in the Pantanal, Brazil, reveals that flooding duration is a critical driver of vegetation zonation. By integrating field sampling, geostatistics (universal kriging), and remote sensing, researchers identified seven distinct vegetation communities with known floral compositions. The method, combining cluster analysis, multiple linear regression models, and Monte Carlo simulations, demonstrated significant spatial variation in classification accuracy but maintained the overall proportion and arrangement of these communities. The study suggests that increasing field observations for scattered or small-patch communities or incorporating more digital images could further refine mapping precision. This innovative methodology offers a robust basis for habitat management, conservation assessment, and long-term ecological monitoring in wetland landscapes.

Arieira, J., Karssenberg, D., de Jong, S. M., Addink, E. A., Couto, E. G., Nunes da Cunha, C., & Skøien, J. O. (2011). Integrating field sampling, geostatistics and remote sensing to map wetland vegetation in the Pantanal, Brazil. Biogeosciences, 8(3), 667–686. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-8-667-2011