Type: report

Article abstract: Remotely sensed imagery may significantly aid the City of San Diego (City) in managing natural lands of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). The primary objective of this study was to investigate the utility of high resolution, multispectral imagery for quantifying the cover proportions of shrub, herbaceous, and bare ground cover within vegetation stands. The proportional distribution of these cover types may be an indicator of habitat quality. Mapping these cover types using remotely sensed imagery may enable frequent assessment of habitat conditions and changes in conditions over time. Results from this study indicate that image-based assessment of shrub, herbaceous, and bare soil cover may be sufficiently accurate to be adopted by the City as a method for regular monitoring of vegetation and habitat quality within the MSCP reserve. We provide specific recommendations for image acquisition and processing procedures which should enable the City to initiate a successful remote sensing-based mapping and monitoring program.