Hydro-ecological riparian zones: An innovative approach combining environmental factors using LiDAR, satellite imagery, and GIS
Subject
Abstract
Riparian ecosystems, vegetation bordering lakes and rivers, are essential in sustaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. These ecosystems also regulate water quality, water temperature, provide crucial shade, and reduce flooding. However, riparian zones face growing threats from land-use modifications, resulting in decline in water quality and fish population in British Columbia. This study seeks to improve the methods used to define riparian zones. Traditional approaches often rely on fixed-width buffers, overlooking the natural variability of the landscape. By leveraging advanced tools such as LiDAR, satellite imagery, and GIS, this research develops innovative methods to create flexible, variable-width riparian zones based on diverse environmental factors. The findings aim to offer valuable insights for protecting these critical ecosystems effectively.
Description
Poster