Free and Open-access Satellite Data Are Key to Biodiversity Conservation

“Free and open-access satellite data are key to biodiversity conservation” http://t.co/psw1hVPwih

Source: www.sciencedirect.com

GR:  This is a well-written article.  Unfortunately, it’s assumptions are wrong.  Satellite data aren’t very useful for conservation.  It only provides indirect evidence of the condition and trend of animal populations and most plant species.  For example, in a forest containing over 200 plant species, satellite data only reveals generalities such as total cover and perhaps the condition of the two or three dominant tree species.  The 197 other plant species are invisible from space.  We need to spend the money for on-the-ground surveys and monitoring.  Technology can be a diversion kids.