Combining Landsat ETM+ and Reef Check classifications for mapping coral reefs: a critical assessment from the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia

摘要: While the remote-sensing community attempts to find measures of reef "health" able be detected and mapped using satellite image data, internationally recognized field assessments are already in place document benthic cover, among other parameters, as an indicator coral status. Reef Check is one such program, designed 1996 a globally applicable, rapid, field-survey protocol for health monitoring by volunteer divers (Hodgson 1999). The provide measure based on species or families fish, invertebrates, substrates. Data collected contribute global-scale database status use management plans Today, over 5,000 trained led more than 160 scientists surveys 1,500 reefs 60 countries. During survey, they record substrate type directly under measuring tape at 0.5-m intervals 4· 20 m consecutive transects between 3- 10-m depth Liebler 2002). classification scheme provides information habitats hard coral, dead soft fleshy algae, rock, rubble, sand, silt sponge, other. This same that often asked extract from data managers. Reef programs important source reef-health information, yet will always point based, extrapolation non-surveyed areas required. Remotely sensed can spatially extensive survey if methods developed successfully link ground-survey observations, like those provided Check, with airborne images. Thus, objectives our project were (1) determine whether classes could Landsat ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) (2) currently may used training assessing accuracy remotely classifications. We address case study Capricorn Bunker Group, southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia.