Methodology of multi-level satellite analysis for geoecological risks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36023/ujrs.2026.13.1.304Keywords:
geoecological risk analysis, «soft» and «hard» cut anomalies, ecosystem degradation, wetlands, multi-temporal analysisAbstract
The article is devoted to the development of a multi-level satellite-based methodology for the analysis of geoecological risks, aimed at identifying and spatially differentiating long-term and short-term changes in the state of vegetation cover and wetland systems. The relevance of the study is determined by the limitations of approaches based on the analysis of single indices or individual observation dates, which do not allow for reliable discrimination between persistent degradation processes, accumulated changes, and temporary disturbances caused by seasonal or weather-related factors. The proposed methodology is based on the integration of multi-temporal derivatives of vegetation and moisture spectral indices, seasonal phenological indicators, and land surface temperature trends. The input data consist of multi-temporal PlanetScope satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 3 m, which enables detailed analysis of small-scale and spatially heterogeneous geoecological processes. The analysis is implemented at two temporal levels: a long-term level involving the assessment of linear trends and five-year differences, and a short-term level focused on annual changes and evaluation of the current state of the territories. To distinguish vegetation cover types, classification based on seasonal phenology is applied using cluster analysis and independent validation, which allows minimizing the influence of natural seasonal variability on the interpretation of results. Spatial integration of heterogeneous indicators is carried out based on the concept of statistical anomaly, resulting in the generation of integrated geoecological risk maps. It is demonstrated that the combined use of multi-temporal derivative indices, phenological features, and the temperature factor ensures reliable differentiation of systematic degradation processes, accumulated changes, and short-term disturbances that do not form stable long-term trends. The temperature factor is identified as a modulating element that enhances geoecological risks in specific spatial zones. Territories of the Nature Reserve Fund are used as test sites for validation and approbation of the proposed approach.
Financing: The proposed methodology was developed in the course of PhD research conducted within the doctoral training program.
Data Availability Statement: Data available on reasonable request from the authors.
Acknowledgements: The author is grateful to the reviewers and editors for their careful consideration of the manuscript, constructive comments, and recommendations, which made it possible to clarify and improve specific aspects of the study.
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