The Earth Observation Data for Habitat Monitoring (EODHaM) system

To support decisions relating to the use and conservation of protected areas and surrounds, the EU-fundedBIOdiversity multi-SOurce monitoring System: from Space TO Species (BIO SOS) project has developedthe Earth Observation Data for HAbitat Monitoring (EODHaM) system for consistent mapping and mon-itoring of biodiversity. The EODHaM approach has adopted the Food and Agriculture Organization LandCover Classification System (LCCS) taxonomy and translates mapped classes to General Habitat Cate-gories (GHCs) from which Annex I habitats (EU Habitats Directive) can be defined. The EODHaM systemuses a combination of pixel and object-based procedures. The 1st and 2nd stages use earth observation(EO) data alone with expert knowledge to generate classes according to the LCCS taxonomy (Levels 1 to3 and beyond). The 3rd stage translates the final LCCS classes into GHCs from which Annex I habitat typemaps are derived. An additional module quantifies changes in the LCCS classes and their components,indices derived from earth observation, object sizes and dimensions and the translated habitat maps (i.e.,GHCs or Annex I). Examples are provided of the application of EODHaM system elements to protectedsites and their surrounds in Italy, Wales (UK), the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal and India.