A new scientific publication supported by the Horizon Europe OBSGESSION project explores how reliable satellite-based observations are, highlighting the importance of understanding and accounting for uncertainties in Earth Observation (EO) data.

Developed by project members of the University of Zurich, the University of Twente and the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), the paper is available in the scientific journal Remote Sensing of Environment. The open-access article, “Uncertainties in optical remote sensing of plant diversity,” examines the challenges associated with using remote sensing technologies to monitor vegetation and biodiversity change.

As biodiversity loss accelerates, satellite and airborne observations offer valuable opportunities to monitor ecosystems across large geographical areas. However, measurements derived from these technologies are not without uncertainties, which, if overlooked, can lead to misleading interpretations of biodiversity trends and ultimately affect conservation strategies and policy decisions.

The study examines the main sources of uncertainty in optical remote sensing and how these influence estimates of vegetation characteristics, plant functional traits and spectral diversity. It also provides recommendations for quantifying and communicating these uncertainties, helping to make biodiversity monitoring more transparent, consistent and reliable.

Read the full article here.