Requirements for satellite data in the geospatial agroecological monitoring system

Abstract

Goal. To justify the requirements for satellite data and the modes of their use in the system for monitoring the processes of degradation and desertification of lands. Methods. System analysis — for a comprehensive study of the main types of degradation processes in the agrolandscapes of Ukraine and coordination of requirements for satellite data; logical-analytical — to assess the technical characteristics of available satellite systems, their spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions; comparative analysis — to summarize the results of domestic and foreign studies on the assessment of desertification and the selection of validated indicators; structural-typological — to take into account the zonal features of land use objects for the formation of criteria for distinction; system generalization — to formulate integrated requirements for satellite support of agroecological monitoring. Results. The key ecological and anthropogenic factors that cause desertification in the steppe regions of Ukraine were identified. The complex requirements for satellite data for monitoring desertification in the system of agroecological monitoring were formulated. Their optimal parameters were given: spatial resolution (1–30 m — for detailed analysis; 250–1000 m — for regional monitoring); time resolution (5–16 days — for tracking seasonal changes), spectral ranges — for calculating vegetation, water, and soil indices. The parameters of satellite platforms were evaluated, and it was recommended to use data from Sentinel 1 and 2, Landsat, MODIS, and Copernicus to determine land degradation in the agroecological monitoring system. The sources of obtaining monitoring indicators, which were used in accordance with the UN Convention against Desertification, were evaluated. The direction of their practical use for identifying crisis phenomena and the formation of a balanced structure of agrolandscapes in the face of climate change was determined. Conclusions. Satellite information resource provides high efficiency, reliability, and economic efficiency, contributes to the improvement of the system of agroecological monitoring of land degradation and desertification in the face of climate change.