Mapping of peatlands in Vorarlberg using orthophotos and LiDAR data

Suggested by: Dirk Tiede, Martin Sudmanns, Thomas Strasser

Short description: 

Peatlands play a vital role in Austria's ecosystem. They act as natural carbon sinks, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. They also serve as critical habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal species, supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. Peatlands contribute to water regulation and purification, enhancing the quality and availability of freshwater resources. Therefore, their mapping and monitoring is a crucial contribution to support the sustainable development goals. 

However, in mountainous regions it is not always possible to perform in-situ mapping and (automated) methods based on remote sensing are required.

The master thesis will investigate the feasibility of automated peatland mapping from orthophotos, LiDAR data and other data sources in specific regions of Vorarlberg (including inaccessible high mountain areas) and evaluates how such an approach could be scaled up for the whole federal state of Vorarlberg to complement/validate existing peatland maps.

This master thesis is done in collaboration with the Department of Environmental and Climate Protection of the Office of the State Government of Vorarlberg.

Suggested reading:

Digital mapping of peatlands – A critical review: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001282521830360X

Mapping upland peat depth using airborne radiometric and lidar survey data: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016706118303495

Special Issue "Application of Remote Sensing for Monitoring of Peatlands": https://www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing/special_issues/peatlands_application

Start/finish: ASAP

Prerequisites/qualifications: 

• Remote Sensing & GIS
• Basic understanding of information extraction from remote sensing, employing state-of-the-art algorithms including object-based analysis and deep learning techniques.
• Interest in the topic (peatland ecosystems)