Applications of Remote Sensing to Ecological Modeling

Satellite data offer panoramic and long-term perspectives that assist us in managing ecosystems to meet social, economic, and ecological objectives. In particular, remote sensing data are becoming increasingly common and critical inputs to ecological models. Models help us to understand ecological patterns and processes and the affect of human actions on those phenomena. Remote sensing has changed how ecologists approach the modeling process, e.g., new capacity to track severe events like hurricanes has improved our ability to prepare, respond, and mitigate effectively. In this module, we offer a review of model usage in ecology, and introduce some of the advantages and constraints of integrating satellite remote sensing with ecological models, (e.g., landscape metrics, climate, invasive species). Although remote sensing data cannot meet all modeling needs or objectives, they often can contribute to the process of conserving and managing biodiversity and ecological function.