Remote sensing of native vegetation extent and condition

Understanding the extent and condition of native vegetation across Western Australia is critical for biodiversity conservation, land management and environmental decision-making. Yet the scale of the State makes comprehensive assessment using traditional field surveys alone impractical. WABSI investigated how remote sensing could complement existing biodiversity data and field surveys to fill these information gaps more efficiently.

The project reviewed existing remote sensing technologies, datasets and data providers, assessing their strengths, limitations and potential contribution to a statewide vegetation monitoring program. It examined opportunities to combine satellite and other remotely sensed information with biodiversity datasets, vegetation mapping and landscape models to generate more useful information about native vegetation extent, condition and change.

Remote sensing can help reveal how much native vegetation remains, where it is being lost, how vegetation condition is changing and whether conservation programs are achieving their intended outcomes. It can also help identify where management and policy interventions could have the greatest impact. However, remotely sensed patterns need to be combined with other information to understand the causes and significance of change.

The project identified opportunities to improve coordination, strengthen access to remote sensing products, update vegetation mapping and build Western Australia’s capability to interpret and apply digital data. It also highlighted the value of linking remotely sensed information with field observations and response models so that decision-makers can move from detecting change to understanding it and targeting action more effectively.