Long-term monitoring of desert restoration processes using historical stereoscopic imagery and laser scanning data: An example of the Błędów Desert (Poland)

• Published in: Remote sensing applications Vol. 35; p. 101253
• Main Authors: Janus, Jarosław, Bożek, Piotr
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2024
• Subjects: ALS; Desert; Historical aerial imagery; LiDAR; Long-term analysis; Renaturation; Restoration; Restoration; LiDAR; ALS; Long-term analysis; Desert; Historical aerial imagery; Renaturation
• ISSN: 2352-9385; 2352-9385
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rsase.2024.101253

This study aimed to present the spatiotemporal changes associated with the loss and subsequent regaining of the original character of the Błędów Desert (Poland) as a result of restoration efforts. The study area is one of the few places in Europe with a sandy desert character. The research period covered nearly 40 years, covering an area of approximately 1400 ha. The methodology is based on comparing the height structure parameters by analyzing point clouds created from contemporary and historical stereoscopic images. For this purpose, four sets of stereoscopic images were used, including two historical analog images from 1982 to 1996 and contemporary digital data from 2012 to 2018. Additional datasets such as airborne laser scanning data and cadastral databases were used as auxiliary data. The results showed an increase in the area covered by tall vegetation from 2% in 1982 to 18% and 41% in 1996 and 2012, respectively, which decreased to 30% after the completion of restoration activities in 2018. The restoration process has enabled the revival of the original desert character of the study area, although the total area covered by sand decreased compared to its state in the early 1980s. These results indicate the significant potential of the presented methodology in supporting ecosystem management systems, where changes in the height structure of vegetation play a crucial role. This applies to monitoring land abandonment, forest management, and large-scale reclamation work. •The Błędów Desert in Europe is undergoing renaturalisation to restore its original desert character.•Changes from 1982-2018 were shown using historical and current aerial photos and laser scanning data.•The methodology showed potential for ecosystem management, especially in monitoring vegetation height for reclamation projects.