| Author | Naeem, Rifath |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.NR-20-01 |
| Subject(s) | Forests and forestry--Maldives--Classification--Maps
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| Note | A research submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. NR-20-01 |
| Abstract | Coastal ecosystems such as seagrass beds are under threat. Governments and international organizations are now rushing to develop and implement conservation programs to protect and sustainably manage coastal ecosystem such as seagrass for their goods and services. However, to create effective policy interventions, it is essential to monitor the effectiveness of these policies and programs with accurate information for sustainable management. Google Earth Engine (GEE) has become a promising tool for ecosystem mapping and monitoring with the potential to bridge the financial and technical gaps. The present study looks at a methodological framework to map shallow- water seagrass beds by using GEE platforms processing power and Copernicus Sentinel 2 MSI archive. The workflow mapped 178 ha of shallow water seagrass beds in Hithadhoo lagoon of Addu Atoll with an overall accuracy of97% using Random Forest machine learning classifier. This time and cost-effective cloud-based workflow has the potential for countries worldwide to run mapping and monitoring programs for effective conservation policies and monitoring the effectiveness of those policies. With small code adjustments, the workflow can be used to map out other coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs. |
| Year | 2020 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. NR-20-01 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Sasaki, Nophea; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Tsusaka, Takuji W.;Thipathi, Nitin Kumar; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2020 |