Under threat from natural and human disturbance, tropical dry forests are the most endangered ecosystem in the tropics, yet they rarely receive the scientific or conservation attention they deserve. In a comprehensive overview, Tropical Dry Forests in the Americas: Ecology, Conservation, and Management examines new approaches for data sampling and analysis using remote sensing technology, discusses new ecological and econometric methods, and critically evaluates the socio-economic pressures that these forest are facing at the continental and national levels. The book includes studies from Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil that provide in-depth knowledge about the function, status, and conservation efforts of these endangered forests. It presents key elements of synthesis from standardized work conducted across all sites. This unique contribution provides new light in terms of these forests compared to each other not only from an ecological perspective but also in terms of the pressures that they are facing, and their respective responses. Written by experts from a diversity of fields, this reference brings together the many facets of function, use, heritage, and future potential of these forests. It presents an important and exciting synthesis of many years of work across countries, disciplines, and cultures. By standardizing approaches for data sampling and analysis, the book gives readers comparison information that cannot be found anywhere else given the high level of disparity that exists in the current literature.

While frequently used in temperate environments, hyperspectral sensors and data are still a novelty in the tropics. Exploring the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing for assessing ecosystem characteristics, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Forests focuses on the complex and unique set of challenges involved in using this technology and the data it provides. Special Features A CD-ROM including hyperspectral color images Coverage of in situ spectroscopy, airborne and satellite-based remote sensing, and fusion with other forms of data such as LiDAR Peer-reviewed chapters that highlight the most innovative achievements Discussion of the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing to provide tools for assessing ecosystem characteristics at various spatial and temporal scales Experts from Diverse Backgrounds Share Their Successes The book explores a range of analysis techniques, including hyperspectral reflectance indices, spectral mixture analysis, pattern classification, band selection, partial least-squares, linear discriminant analysis, and radiative transfer models. The chapter authors present a comprehensive review of the current status and innovative achievements in the field, citing approximately six hundred studies. As illustrated by the diverse backgrounds of the contributors, the most successful use of hyperspectral data requires a multidisciplinary approach spanning a wide range of fields. Go Beyond the Basics to Actual Application Although it begins by touching on the basics, this book is not a tutorial in remote sensing, but a reference that illustrates the potential applications and analysis techniques that can be used when facing the unique challenge of working in the tropics. It presents real-world examples and a suite of analysis t

Under threat from natural and human disturbance, tropical dry forests are the most endangered ecosystem in the tropics, yet they rarely receive the scientific or conservation attention they deserve. In a comprehensive overview, Tropical Dry Forests in the Americas: Ecology, Conservation, and Management examines new approaches for data sampling and analysis using remote sensing technology, discusses new ecological and econometric methods, and critically evaluates the socio-economic pressures that these forest are facing at the continental and national levels. The book includes studies from Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil that provide in-depth knowledge about the function, status, and conservation efforts of these endangered forests. It presents key elements of synthesis from standardized work conducted across all sites. This unique contribution provides new light in terms of these forests compared to each other not only from an ecological perspective but also in terms of the pressures that they are facing, and their respective responses. Written by experts from a diversity of fields, this reference brings together the many facets of function, use, heritage, and future potential of these forests. It presents an important and exciting synthesis of many years of work across countries, disciplines, and cultures. By standardizing approaches for data sampling and analysis, the book gives readers comparison information that cannot be found anywhere else given the high level of disparity that exists in the current literature.

While frequently used in temperate environments, hyperspectral sensors and data are still a novelty in the tropics. Exploring the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing for assessing ecosystem characteristics, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Forests focuses on the complex and unique set of challenges involved in using this technology and the data it provides. Special Features A CD-ROM including hyperspectral color images Coverage of in situ spectroscopy, airborne and satellite-based remote sensing, and fusion with other forms of data such as LiDAR Peer-reviewed chapters that highlight the most innovative achievements Discussion of the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing to provide tools for assessing ecosystem characteristics at various spatial and temporal scales Experts from Diverse Backgrounds Share Their Successes The book explores a range of analysis techniques, including hyperspectral reflectance indices, spectral mixture analysis, pattern classification, band selection, partial least-squares, linear discriminant analysis, and radiative transfer models. The chapter authors present a comprehensive review of the current status and innovative achievements in the field, citing approximately six hundred studies. As illustrated by the diverse backgrounds of the contributors, the most successful use of hyperspectral data requires a multidisciplinary approach spanning a wide range of fields. Go Beyond the Basics to Actual Application Although it begins by touching on the basics, this book is not a tutorial in remote sensing, but a reference that illustrates the potential applications and analysis techniques that can be used when facing the unique challenge of working in the tropics. It presents real-world examples and a suite of analysis t