Using Unmanned Aerial Systems to Model Spatially-Mediated Heterogeneity in 3D Microclimate Landscapes
Abstract
This project sought proof-of-concept for driving an ultra fine-resolution microclimate model with UAV-collected geosptial data, with the main goal of determining whether increasing spatial resolution - from 1m - .13m in this case - could detect micro-scale variation in soil temperatures. Substantial spatial differentiation between model outputs at these resolutions indicates that spatial resolution can affect the detection of biologically important variation in microclimate conditions, likely without significantly impacting model accuracy. An important implication of this result is the likely correctness of the ubiquitous assumption that spatial mismatch could be leading to erroneous ecological conclusions and conservation/management decisions. Given this likelihood, conservation and management decisions made using relatively coarse-resolution models should be considered tentative, at best. Preferably, the indications of a coarse model would be followed up with data that are not mismatched. The continuation of this research is critical for verifying and extending the findings to diverse and novel environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 10, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1217035
Entities
People
- Anna L. Carter
Organizations
- Iowa State University