Using Google Earth, A Virtual‐Globe Imaging Platform, for Ecosystem Services‐Based River Assessment

摘要: A methodology for reach-based river ecosystem service assessment of eight functions using remote sensing via Google Earth is presented. The number publications addressing and services has grown significantly since 2005, yet this powerful platform remains under-used in science. Theoretical linkages between 18 riverscape fluvial features, attributes land cover types, observable measurable on Earth, resultant delivery are central to the methodology. Using framework, we build earlier conceptual models develop a rules-based scoring approach apply it three rivers differing size character from source mouth. aim was devise robust tool applicable any ecoregion size, degree human modification character. Reach or sector scales length dependent. minimum reach scale recommended 500 m, 10 km used longest our rivers. Two key metrics, individual score total ecosystems score, derived at Scoring 0–3 with 0 representing an absent virtually no value 3 optimal maximum value. Output best expressed per kilometre length. exercise showed be across two ecoregions varying level While requiring further refinement, shows that assessments based virtual globes can universally applied providing valuable information delivery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.