%0 Research articles
%T Prioritising restoration monitoring of aapa mires using satellite image change detection
%A Isoaho, Aleksi
%A Ikkala, Lauri
%A Räsänen, Aleksi
%D 2024
%J Suo - Mires and peat
%V 75
%N 1-2
%U http://suo.fi/article/10834
%X <p>Restoration of peatlands will increase significantly in the coming years. This will also increase the need for cost-efficient monitoring methods for restoration. In the recent years, the potential of remote sensing in peatland restoration monitoring has been studied in several projects. It has been found that especially the changes in the surface wetness can be relatively well monitored with optical satellite imagery in open peatlands. In this article, we present an operational model that can be used for prioritizing the general monitoring of restored open peatlands, especially the aapa mires restored with water-directing measures. Firstly, wetted, and non-wetted areas are interpreted with satellite imagery change detection which can be used to identify failed restoration measures, and when possible, undesired waterlogged forestry areas. Following this, prioritised field or drone assessments are conducted at problem areas, and corrective measures can be planned and implemented. From the perspective of the large restoration needs in the future, it would be critical to understand which factors affect the success of restoration, and how the restoration methods could be further developed.</p>