BeiDou remote sensing experiment enhances ecological monitoring in Yellow River

BeiDou remote sensing experiment enhances ecological monitoring in Yellow River
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 04, 2024

A large-scale integrated space-air-ground experiment, as part of the "BeiDou-enabled Remote Sensing Application Pilot Program," was conducted between July 20 and August 15 at the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve. This initiative aimed to improve ecological monitoring and develop more precise ecological assessments in the region.

The experiment incorporated a wide range of data collection techniques, employing payloads on aerial manned aircraft, high-resolution remote sensing satellites, BeiDou precision positioning buoys, and ground-based instruments. The team used the Modern Ark 60 remote sensing aircraft, integrating four key payloads - optical, multi-dimensional Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), hyperspectral, and LiDAR systems. Despite facing extreme weather conditions such as storms, high winds, humidity, and intense heat, the aircraft successfully completed approximately ten flights, gathering 28.5 terabytes of aerial data.

In addition to aerial data collection, over 2,300 ground samples were gathered using synchronized ground-based instruments, focusing on critical parameters like carbon content and soil quality. This integrated approach generated a multi-platform, high-resolution dataset that significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of ecological quality assessments for the Yellow River Delta.

The experiment was led by the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and involved the collaboration of several institutions, including Beijing Jiaotong University, the Institute of Oceanology, and Tsinghua University. The Ecological Monitoring Center of the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve also provided substantial support, with contributions from the Yiqianer, Dawenliu, and Yellow River Estuary Management Stations.

The "BeiDou-enabled Remote Sensing Application Pilot Program," launched in 2021, combines BeiDou navigation satellites with advanced remote sensing technologies. This program focuses on the core demonstration area of the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, addressing the shortcomings of traditional monitoring approaches. By enhancing the precision of ecological pattern analysis, carbon sequestration monitoring, and ecosystem health evaluations, the program aims to support better ecological management and restoration efforts in the region.