A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY FOR BIOTOPE AND LANDSCAPE MAPPING BASED ON CIRAERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS

In this paper, we present a method for base-line mapping of biotope an d landscape elements in the rural Swedish agricultural landscape. The overall goal is to elaborate a classification system for a national la ndscape monitoring program, based on interpretation of existing colour infrared (CIR) aerial photographs at the scale 1:30000, and including a field control. The classification system developed was tested by ma pping landscape elements in strategically selected test areas, and it is assessed with respect to interpretation accuracy. The landscape ele ments, mapped separately as patches, lines and points, are significant for the biodiversity on landscape level, and are susceptible to chang e. The classification system is based on a hierarchical approach in fi ve levels, with regard to land use and management, nature type and suc cession stage, moisture, physiognomy, vegetation cover and plant speci es. By using the method and the suggested classification system, a bas e-line mapping can be done very quickly and accurately. The mapping ra te is 1.4-2.8 km(2)/h and the interpretation accuracy is 95-99%. (C) 1 998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.