MapallJohn (@mapalljohn.bsky.social)

Research 488: Habitat Mapping, Assessment and Monitoring with High-resolution Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle Imagery (iHabiMap) Ireland has a wide range of important habitats, identified under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, needing protection and restoration. Monitoring, reporting, and verifying these habitats is an essential activity under this directive, but this can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, particularly over large remote areas. This research (iHabiMap) has enhanced our ability to do this by integrating ecological and UAV surveys, image analysis, and machine learning to accurately map coastal, grassland, and upland habitats. iHabiMap produced habitat maps with over 90% accuracy, demonstrating the potential of UAV and AI technology in habitat monitoring. The methodology can support regular habitat assessments, is transferable to other habitat types, and can help monitor the degradation and rehabilitation of dune systems, salt marshes, uplands, and grasslands. The agile research methodology was also adapted to map and monitor the invasive species Spartina anglica in saltmarshes. https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/biodiversity/research-488-habitat-mapping-assessment-and-monitoring-with-high-resolution-unoccupied-aerial-vehicle-imagery-ihabimap.php