Remote Sensing to Detect and Monitor Trees in Various Environments: Case Studies in Chile

Abstract

Today, the presence of green areas in cities plays an important role for the well-being of its inhabitants and its sustainable development. Modern cities need green spaces for environmental, psychological, esthetic, economic, and social reasons. In this meaning, Chilean cities, although Chile is still considered by the United Nations 1 as a developing economy, are no exception. Given the importance of this common good, it is necessary to optimize its permanent care. An incident factor in the deterioration of vegetation in urban and rural areas is stress, which can be of biotic or abiotic origin. One way to systematize care of trees is by the application of multispectral sensors and modern digital image processing. Once plantations or trees are spectrally characterized, one can proceed to develop plant health mitigation programs. This article shows the potential of remote sensing for tree stress detection, in the central south of Chile. Focus is given on rural areas as forestry for the Chilean economy is of great importance. These approaches can easily be adapted to urban scenarios.